"Finally, if you're not entirely sick of my thinking yet, I loved what "So I guess my big question is: What is it we hope for kids to remember from text? Like me, my kids have trouble remembering titles--but I've never deemed that particularly important. Do we want them to remember the plot? The feel of the book? What it left them thinking? What do you think we want to help them remember?"
First, they have to make a connection. Intellectually, emotionally, morally - somehow they have to make a connection so they can find a commonality to give reading value. Then, I think you have to develop emotional connections because those are the most powerful. We learn better if we enjoy what we are learning. So we have to make reading fun. That isn't achieved by giving bonus points or prizes, but by building on their strengths so they aren't frustrated with the material. So you start small and build up. Pick stories with emotional impact or surprise endings. Find stories based on the students' backgrounds, then add to their schema by introducing more skills and knowledge. We want them to REMEMBER EVERYTHING THAT IS IMPORTANT AT THAT PARTICULAR MOMENT IN THEIR LIVES because some aren't at a level where everything is important, but you continue building on their strengths and backgrounds. Ever read a story or book a second time? Perhaps years after the first reading? Have you ever been affected differently with the second reading? That's because your background dictates your response. Same for the kids... You say titles aren't important, but the author often puts a lot of thought into a title. The title can often be a summary of the story, moral, or high point. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD might not seem important as a phrase, but as a title it is highly important as a metaphor for the book. Are your students ready for that? Probably not, but as they get older, they will. I just showed my classes the classic film THE RED BALLOON and it was fascinating to read their responses to the film. My 6th graders couldn't see past the balloon and the boy's friendship and were affected emotionally by the story. My 8th graders were able to see some of the symbolism and metaphors inherent in the film. My 7th graders were a mix of both. A perfect example of how some students are ready for some concepts while others aren't. 6th graders are too literal and emotional. 8th graders are too "cool" to show emotion, but were able to analyze critically. You ask what is important to remember? It depends upon what they can handle... Bill _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list [email protected] http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
