Choice in Reading
Hello, back at it. Here to finish my discussion on reading like real estate. Location is essential -a location for reading and a location that breaks up the routine and monotony of the day. This necessitates a rethinking of the standard school day in schedule and pedagogy, and even renovation of the physical plant. I will discuss this at a later date. As mentioned yesterday, I would like to discuss choice and acceptance in reading instruction.
Choice is key, but I , like many of my colleagues, believe that students choose books well below their reading level, and also, some that do not foster depth of discussion. True. As an ELA teacher, interactive reading is the cornerstone of a survey or literature course. Reading has two major purposes, experience and reference. Experience includes the ability to acquire clear and relevant information, and reference means that there are certain texts that provide cultural canonical touchstones for all citizens. Classic texts meet both of these criteria, and, if correctly chosen, offer a way to discuss weighty themes while improving reading skills.
“If it ain’t on a balance; it ain’t going to tote.” The major issue is to promote reading while maintaining high standards and expectations in the literature classroom. Both masters can be served. Teachers need to give up some control and learn new ways to assess reading. Pop quizzes are great ways to focus a discussion and let’s be honest, check for completion. This brings up the assessment debate on whether we are grading learning or academic habits. My solution is to have a few core required texts that are aligned to your academic and performance standards, as well as allowing ample time for free reading and response.
Here are some suggestions:
- Small books clubs. Have 4-5 students read the same text or same author. It is okay if you, as the teacher, have not read all or any of the texts. Use their responses and discussions as formative guidance for future direct instruction.
2. Literature circles. Like book clubs, this focuses the role of the reader and
allows for relevant conversations about multiple texts. Give the students
control over book selections, and once again, you do not have to be the
vigilant overseer. Give the guiding questions and foci to help them understand the process of effective reading, in general, and reflect on their own process.
3. Relinquish control by teaching a book that you are encountering for the first time as well. In this manner, the core of your instruction is metacognitive, a discussion of all reading, not questions that ask about the specific plot points or characters in the actual text. I tried this with Marcus Zusak’s I am the Messenger, and it was not only invigorating but also increased completion and participation.
4. Lastly, just let kids read. Be tolerant of student reading choices, as parents, and educators. My best young writers are avid readers. Let them continue and give the reluctant ones the ability to read ANYTHING without judgment. Teachers do not have to grade everything, and that is okay.
Including in-class reading is not an easy task, nor is it an easy transition for the teacher. Some students will not take advantage of the time, but no amount of graded response or hovering is going to change that. One of my former supervisors mentioned that teaching, “is one of the few professions where the boss does most of the work.” Change that dynamic. Also, there is something unnatural about the basic construct of instruction. Have you been asked to read ON DEMAND? How motivated were you? Some of the solutions for getting kids to read are breaking down the archaic, systemic barriers to their organic process. Look at schedules. Look at grading. Look at the physical plan. Reflect on the mission of education, itself.
Don’t worry in the coming weeks, I will be addressing all of these topics. I will also, in the near future, be broaching how to combat the influx of AI in teaching student writing.
For now, shutting the lights in the Lounge.
Love and learning,
P.
Hump Day Happenings
Ban on Book Banning
I know this story is a bit dated, but I’ve been busy (lol), and I feel compelled as a teacher to mention this event, and as a writer, it works as a solid transition from my previous segment to my expected content.
According to the American Library Association, there were efforts to ban more than 2,500 books nationwide last year, a nearly 40% increase over 2021 (Degman NPR.org). Well, it should not happen in Illinois. Illinois is the first state to pass a law banning bans on books. According to a June 13th, New York Times article, by Orlando Moraquin, the author cites a portion of the American Library Association’s bill of rights that reads, “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”
The key word here is partisan. Books are not political footballs, and if you do not want to read a book or have your children read them, then don’t. My school had a policy where the teacher would provide alternative lessons and readings if the student or the student’s family found it offensive. This seems like a reasonable solution and in accord with the foundational tenets of a “free” country. I don’t like tofu. I don’t eat it.
Rapi-No/Dominance Over
I have already commented twice on the Women’s World Cup, so this will be brief. I am not going to stir the pot about the team’s lack of focus or the lack of chemistry. I am also not going to throw Megan Rapinoe under the bus for her opinions – there is plenty of trolling and response on this, online. What I will say, is that with the U.S. out, I hope it does not diminish the nature of coverage or viewership of the tournament. The teams that have made the final eight deserve attention and recognition. The world is catching up and that is okay. I will be rooting for the Matildas, one of the host countries, and for Colombia, just cuz.
As for the ousted Americans, what is next? The coach does not seem like someone who can stoke a dying fire. He seemed accepting of mediocre play, and the team did not seem prepared or in sync. When a team falls well short of potential, the coach is the first to be in the crosshairs. I have already mentioned the polarized make-up of the team (youth and age), and that, unfortunately was highlighted during penalty kicks. Sophia Smith, first WC, and veterans Rapinoe and Kelley O’Hara all missed. My only comments here are watch the reactions of the players when they miss, and the immediate aftermath of the loss. Well, maybe a bit of throwing under the bus. Kudos to Alyssa Naeher, for two? saves and the first successful penalty kick from a goalkeeper at the World Cup, and Namoi Girma, the most consistent and least controversial player on the squad.
Mega Millions
Someone won the record jackpot on Tuesday. They were from Florida. Of course, they were.
Actors/Writers Strike
Pay the writers. How many stilted remakes or Disney rides turned into mediocre family films do we need before the studios pay screenwriters what they are worth? As a reader, I feel that many of the newer authors are writing with some sort of vision of their work on film, and I have also seen even the most seasoned actors struggle to be human, or even coherent, in their award acceptance speeches. In my mind, everything is tied to story, and without original, fresh and competent writing, the movie industry will continue to churn out a plethora of marginal films or rely on common tropes and marketing. Even the Marvel Universe is losing steam. More importantly, on occasion, an actor’s performance is personally transformative, and a movie can actually move you to action or tears or both. Kudos to the actors and other professionals who have joined the writers in solidarity. Remember, storytelling can save us if it is written well.
A Boy Named Subway
I know I should wait for food focus Friday, but this story caught my attention, yesterday, so I have to address it. Since I saw the headline, I have also been inundated by several professional athletes shilling for the former fast food champ. Subway used to have the most franchises in the U.S. and seemed to rest on their laurels. Their subs never looked like their commercialized imposters, and there were other scandals including shady spokespeople, and foot-longs that, well, were not a foot long. Recently, I have noticed Subway directly responding to the success of Jersey Mikes, by literally changing their menu to mimic that chain, but also introducing cold cuts sliced fresh in front of the customers. Wonder where they got that idea? I will discuss the power of originality in next Monday’s musings. I digress.
Subway is running a promotion or competition that offers subs for life for anyone who is willing to change their name officially to Subway. 10,000 people answered the call. 10,000 people were willing to lose their identity for a lifetime of Clubs, BMT’s, and newly coined Monsters. What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet. A rose is a rose, but signing Subway on all of your important documents seems a bit ludicrous. What is also ludicrous is the sheer amount of people willing to do this. We can’t get people to work in the restaurants, but a multitude to patronize them for free. I have converted to Jersey Mike’s, Nardellis and what I like to call, At Home, but even if I was a Subway fan, I would not change my name for free. My name is who I am, how I am viewed -my reputation and my voice. Besides, I have already changed my name to Spago.
Love and laughter,
P.