Week 7

 Hi gang,
Well, we are heading into the final stretch of this course.  From all of those I've heard from, I just want you to know that you are doing great on your blogs.  And it seems that you are enjoying your books groups.  Remember that your grade will be on what you are learning through the process of this class, not necessarily on one particular assignment.

This week you are going to read Ch. 10 : Nonfiction, autobiographies, biographies, diaries, and memoirs.  The is a lot to lump together I know, but so important in the reading agenda for young adults/adolescent readers.

How many of you found some terrific non-fiction, bios, etc. in the picture books you were exploring?  There are many and these are a good way to get struggling readers into the social studies, language arts, sports, math and science curriculum.  The texts are not too challenging, there are illustrations to enhance the text and they are short.  Remember most topics you teach can be found in picture books.  They are a great way to a reluctant readers's heart.

I would hope that you all read Freedom Writers Diary found on p. 480.  What a powerful story of one young teacher and how she changed the lives of her students.  Well actually, they changed their own lives with her facilitation.  This may be a book that your book group may want to read this week.  But there are many other listed in the text.  So . . . to the book groups, find a common non-fiction that you're whole group would like to read.  Your assignment for the next two weeks will then be to blog each other about the book, oh, and also work on your text set.

And at the end of the chapter, please read the part on text structure.  This is how you can make learning relevant in the content areas.

Happy reading!
Sue
I'm getting spring fever, how about you?  Don't forget to stop and smell the aromas of spring, unless you are bothered by allergies.  Have a great week!