Oh, me. This was a good one. I’m telling you, these people know what they are talking about. They’re totally preaching to the choir. I gotta say, the title of this article is certainly a mouthful: “Integrating Instructional-Level Social Studies Trade Books for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary Grades.” Yeah, pretty lengthy. Anyway, I’m pretty sure I was nodding my head in agreement the entire time I was reading. I’ll go ahead and reference my favorite quote from the text.
“A significant part of the dilemma in modern education has been brought about by a failure to admit differences - by the treating of all children alike.” – Betts
Uh, yeah. Thanks for that, No Child Left Behind. Children are unique. Each and every single one of those kids are going to be on their own level and they should not be punished for it. I almost got a little angry reading the story about poor little Jon who was forced to read in front of his peers. Trust me, I’ve been in that boat. I’ve played many-a-game of “popcorn” waiting in terror as the teacher scans the room hoping to catch someone off guard. That’s the worst reading activity ever invented. Reading aloud is great and it’s something all children should be confident doing…EVENTUALLY. Not when they can barely read silently!
I was delighted that this article provided the criteria for excellent children’s literature. While you may think it’s common sense, picking out a good book, you really have to put a lot of thought into it. I get a little queasy thinking about children being forced to ready crappy books. I know, harsh language, but it’s how I feel.
So, here’s the main thing I gleaned from this little article. I’ve got to get amazing, level-appropriate, appealing, wonderful, captivating literature into the hands of each and every one of my students. Get it there and keep it there. Kids need to love reading. Reading’s becoming a lost art in this age of technological hoopla. I want my students to appreciate the joy of reading a book that they are truly interested in. Oh yeah, and I want them to be able to read that book with fluency, accuracy and confidence too!
I’m going to go jump rope on the patio now.
Farewell!
Maggie
