Mt. Mercy Fall 2011 discussion

Alright, I get to pose the question for discussion this week. So, here we go:

How do you use YAL in the classroom? What changes to your instructional practices do you foresee based on our learning so far?

I often read aloud chapter books that the students themselves cannot read. This helps them hear great language, writing, and keeps them engaged. One of our favorite read alouds is The Last of The Really Great Whangdoodles. The kids really like this book, make good connections, find interesting vocabulary etc. As far as instructional practice wise I still use regular literature such as Henry and Mudge for guided reading. I have been trying to use more of the instructional strategies. I have had some great success using the someone, wanted, but, so strategy for summarizing.

Everyday I use e-books in the classroom. Since I have students who are not able to read yet, I am trying to use one or two of the strategies with my middle school boy who does not like to read. I want to try the Fryer model with him on the book he is reading now called Shoeless Joe. Maybe gear towards the vocaulary in the book so he gets the whole picture.

I am kind of the black sheep in our class; I am not currently teaching and most likely will not teach in a classroom setting. So it is hard for me to say how I will use YA Literature in the future. I have learned so much these past weeks and have really enjoyed reading YA Literature. If I were teaching right now I would read from a YA Lit book everyday, making sure to choose books from a variety of genres. As a literature teacher I would want to try the golden line format on students, it is so personal, what a cool way to get to know students better. Connecting reading with physical education is kind of tricky. Maybe I could award students extra credit if they were to listen to books while taking long walks after school. Does anyone have any other ideas of how I could connect YA Lit with physical education?

Danielle wrote: "I am kind of the black sheep in our class; I am not currently teaching and most likely will not teach in a classroom setting. So it is hard for me to say how I will use YA Literature in the future..."

Absolutely! Literacy is about encouraging reading for kids. Read and talk about what you read--that alone will make a tremendous impact! Reading sports books, going for learning about health and physical fitness, encouraging book displays, showing reading matters for remembering ideas...what do you want to have kids learn in PE? Literacy is everyone's job, and your experiences in this class can prepare you for important conversations and modeling. Keep asking! I'm so glad you're here...

Elisa wrote: "I often read aloud chapter books that the students themselves cannot read. This helps them hear great language, writing, and keeps them engaged. One of our favorite read alouds is The Last of Th..."

Solid basic literacy works in any age group! :)

Angie wrote: "Everyday I use e-books in the classroom. Since I have students who are not able to read yet, I am trying to use one or two of the strategies with my middle school boy who does not like to read. I w..."

I'd love to hear more about using e-books. Are you finding advantages?

Maybe not the advantage you were thinking of, but students with ereaders (kindles or nooks) are helping out the students that don't have them. When they have the ebook, it allows our classroom one more copy available for the student who doesn't have it at home and can't afford to buy it. I was nervous when the administration met talking about the use of ereaders because our cell phone policy is that they can't be seen. They do allow ereaders, (Whew!) and I often see students reading for fun out of them when they finish work in my class. There have been debates with a couple of students about which is better (kindle vs. nook), and I love it! People listen in and ask questions, and now a few people are asking for them for Christmas or even thinking ahead as graduation gifts! Yay!

Kindle Fire is out now, too--acts like an ipad, sort of. I read books on my ipad all the time. Have students downloaded books on the computer through Follett?
Keep those conversations going!

I've been using young adult books during my homeroom time (which serves as a community circle). It is a great way to discuss issues and evaluate how characters respond to situations that arise. We've had a lot of great discussions and connected things to the lives of students (at school and elsewhere). These connections have raised awareness for things like bullying and gossip.

Angie, I love your idea of using e-books in the classroom. I think e-books would possibly engage some of my non-engaged readers. I would also like to take Kellie's idea of using ereaders in the classroom. I use YAL in a variety ways in the classroom, and I'm always looking for new ways to get kids reading. My students have free reading several times a week, and I model by reading during this time too. I love to share with my students what I'm reading, and I encourage them to share what they are reading. I often have them turn to a partner and share something from their book or complete an exit slip after free reading. Monday I'm going to begin a read aloud of Skeleton Creek. I've never shared this book with my students, and I'm hoping to engage all of them with the video clips that go along with the book. I love doing read alouds, but I always feel pushed for time. I decided I was going to take the time to do this read aloud and then try some of the comprehension strategies we've been practicing in class.

I read everyday for Minute by Minute (a way to get students engaged in reading as a leisure time activity). With taking YAL, I've noticed I'm trying to choose more of a variety of books to expose my students to.