I used to alternate between homogeneous novel studies and heterogeneous groups and loved the results. It is worth figuring out how to make it work. I think you have to be brave and leap and you begin to find schedules that work for you.
My biggest reason for doing this was to create discussion groups with mixed abilities. Many struggling readers often shine in discussion, IF they read and understand the book. Not to mention the benefits of hearing the oral language used by the stronger readers. Plus heterogeneous groups mean you get many different perspectives...always good to keep the conversation going. Obviously the biggest challenge is making sure the lower level readers get adequate support, so my reading schedule favored them. One time I actually managed to get the lower level readers going first, but as time went on it still wasn't enough of a head start. Listening to a tape takes much longer though it is a nice support. So have two lesson plans during the reading days....so that the stronger readers aren't sitting around. Honestly all I did was allow them to read their SSR book when they were finished with the novel assignment to give the other kids time to meet the reading goal. I don't do worksheet activities in my novel groups but books like the one below give you an idea of how to even differentiate the work that is done with the novel. http://warehouse.tecknoquest.com/samples/HSE/sch0545194768is.pdf But on discussion days everyone had the same questions and expectations. Gina******************** _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Contacts: Organize your contact list. http://windowslive.com/connect/post/marcusatmicrosoft.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns!503D1D86EBB2B53C!2285.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_UGC_Contacts_032009 _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
