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In House E-Mail / Correspondence
- Response to Jean-Marie.
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back with you. I have been bouncing between
two classes with discussion threads! It gets confusing trying to figure where
to respond...who to respond to....you know how it goes! Anyways, my set up
is very basic. I have read aloud every day for the first 15 minutes. This is
usually 6-8 pages followed by your usual
questions. Basically exactly what Dr. Ellis did in class. I don't write on the
board. M try to make sure that within a week I have asked everyone a question.
the rest of the class is spent reading. They basically spread out and get into
their books. I am experimenting with journaling between kids as well as other
ways for them to share their books. I don't have time for them to talk all the
time. I have started literature circles...or rather a few students have. I let
them read together as long as they are quiet. they may choose to talk together
regarding their novels or talk with someone else. I haven't really developed
that. Unfortunately I only have 45 minutes so I am cramming it in. My backbone
is my discipline sheet. They are docked points when they talk/are off task/ don't
bring materials. Usually the only time they cut up is during the read aloud.
No one wants to be bothered when it is their reading time!! While they are reading
I am conferencing with students individually. I talk to them about their books
or just read with them. It is such a relaxing atmosphere. Music plays quietly
in the background. I think the music is very important. Lucky for me we enjoy
some of the same music. I think it is important to have that going. It muffles
out movement and relaxes at the same time. I am careful what I play though. No
chamber music or opera (though it is a great threat!!) I try mellow love songs....no
rap but contemporary or classics that I know won't kill them. It does make a
difference. I NEVER let them bring music in though! Too hard to monitor for cursing/
sexual content. Who knew this email would get this long. Anyways like I said,
I have only started this year. So, I am learning as I go. I am slowly trying
new things. But this is
a program you have to start and want to do. I love it! My principals love it
because I have not had to give any detentions or office referrals this year!
I don't know if I answered all your questions. please feel free to email me on
the thread or at home! Jeanne-Marie
Jeanne-Marie, It is so great that you are doing all that stuff in your first
year. You are way ahead of where i was... Anyway, I was wondering if you have
ever tried think / pair / share during your read aloud time. You mentioned
that you try to get everyone involved / called on once a week. Think pair share
is a technique in which everyone gets a chance to respond to the question with
out taking tons of your time while still giving them ownership of the book
or story.
State your question and ask them to think about it, then ask them to turn
to their partners and talk to them about what they think the answer might be.
Then after a minute or less call for their partner's answers. This means that
someone who didn't know can still give an answer and it also means that they
have to pay attention during their dialogue.
Justin
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