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 Topic: Middle School Reading |
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Message posted by rebecca78 on May 14 2010 at 11:23pm - IP Logged
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| rebecca78 |
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May 14 2010
1 Posts |
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I am a new self-contained 7th grade teacher. I am currently working with a 2 hour literacy block that should include reading, writing, word study, and fluency. I currently use the Balanced Literacy framework, however, I feel my students are not getting enough eyes on text. I try to work with one short story/passage a week but it is hard to fit in the time because before reading, during reading, and after reading activities takes about two weeks, therefore, the students are reading only one piece every two weeks. Here are some questions I have:
- How do I increase eyes on text?
- How can I differentiate and manage at the same time?
- HOw do I find time to practice oral fluency without doing round robin reading?
- SHould I be doing literature circles or guided reading at this level?
- How do I find the time for Writing response to reading?
HELP! |
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Message posted by chadwaldron on May 15 2010 at 10:15am - IP Logged
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| chadwaldron |
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United States
August 10 2009
35 Posts |
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Hi Rebecca,
Have you read "Guiding Readers and Writers" by Fountas & Pinnell? It may give you some new ideas for the management and differentiation components of a balanced literacy approach at the middle level school.
Ok, I am going to attempt to share some of "my ideas" on your questions- as I tell my teachers as a Reading Coach/Specialist, take what you like and leave what you don't- question what you want more information about :) :
(1) Increasing Eyes on Text: This component will increase by having texts that are at the students' levels and are high interest. The high interest and motivating component is the hook and sinker of working with middle schoolers, as you know. Scholastic Book Clubs (if your building has some money to spend) would allow you to get a variety of texts at varying levels to "stock up" your students' reading selection. Also, it is great for building guided reading/literature circle collections. Also, my teachers have built up their independent libraries through yard sales- it is GREAT!
(2) Differentiate and Manage: For 7th graders, you need the "buy in" component. It differs for the groups of kids as well- what works with one group may be slightly different for another group. It is also scripting activities that keep the students engaged while you work with students one-to-one or in small groups.
(3) Oral Reading Fluency Practice: Take time each day to have the students complete some ORF practice. Best way- pair the students and allow them to read a passage to each other over three times and chart their own progress. DIBELS has 6th grade ORF passages and Evan Moore Publishers sells fluency books for the middle school grades.
(4) Literature Circles vs. Guided Reading: Literature Circles are student-directed and Guided Reading groups are teacher-directed. You should be doing a combination of both types of groupings. The students, whether high or low, need you, as their literacy expert, to guide them. What I recommend- less frequent guided reading meetings for higher level GR kids and intermixing LC as a part of it.
(5) Response Writings: Build these response writings in as conclusion activities to your LC or GR groups. These writings will get accomplished and it will not take too much additional instructional time.
On a side note, I saw you complete a Word Study component. May I recommend "Mindful of Words: Gr. 4-8" by Kathy Ganske. It is a great resource for differentiating word study lessons.
Good luck- you will do great!
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Chad Waldron
K-5 Literacy Specialist,
Erie, PA
http://flbreading.wikispaces.com |
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Message posted by katieb82 on June 07 2010 at 1:42pm - IP Logged
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| katieb82 |
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United States
June 11 2004
64 Posts |
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Rebecca,
I am reading a book right now called The Book Whisperer by Donalynn Miller. She is a sixth grade language arts teacher and talks alot in her book about making time for kids to do "real" reading. She also has great tips for getting kids "hooked" on reading on for managing time in a busy schedule.
Katie
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Katie Meyer
Literacy Coach
Sheboygan, WI |
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