Okay, deep breath, I finished Chapter 2. Now I know what many of you were talking about: it requires a lot of thought!
When I introduced myself I didn't say that I am an avowed Ellin Keene groupie; I've read MOT many times and have seen her speak 4 times. I start with this information because I was shocked to find there are a couple of things in this chapter I'm not crazy about: 1. The flow is difficult. I disliked being constantly reminded that something would be further discussed later in the text. I kept wondering what I was missing. 2. I think (JMO) it was unnecessary to rename workshop, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading/writing, and sharing. For the first time since I opened MOT, I find myself unwilling to buy into one of Keene's suggestions. HOWEVER, I LOVE the big ideas: 1. Hooray for: high expectations, capacity of minds, intellectual engagement, and deep and critical thinking as habit 2. pp. 24-25 chart is thrilling--I mean, I am seriously excited about these 2 pages. They are going to move my teaching forward immeasurably! 3. Thank you, thank you, thank you for reminding us what's really important (essential)! Sorry to be at all negative; let me finish by saying the good enormously outweighs the tiny bit I disliked. I remain an avowed Ellin Keene groupie. Judy _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list [email protected] http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
