I love the way that Gallagher opened this chapter with real reasons for reading specific works in class. It is ineveitable that students will ask the infamous question "Why do we have to read this?" and with the great answers that Gallagher provided us, we will never have to think of an answer. It is important for students to recognize that there really are multiple and relevant reasons that they read certain works. Not only are these works classics and because we say so, but also because reading them will give them a better understanding of their lives, their vocabulary, and preparation into another step of their life. Making the connection between these works and students' lives is what will make them actually want to read and get involved in the material.
Other than the beginning, I also really enjoyed the "Strategies to Encourage Reflection." These are seven activities that can easily be incorporated into the lessons. This book is exceptional in giving multiple ways and ideas to incorporate activities into the classroom. This chapter, as well as 4's ideas for effective reading bring some really fun and interesting activities into the classroom that students will most likely enjoy because they are above average. The idea of the Theme Notebooks was probably my favorite idea. I would love to incorporate this into my classroom....as with the other ideas present throughout this chapter and entire book.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Gallagher did do us such a service by providing us ways to respond to this question (Why do we have to read this?). A question we are all sure to encounter at some point in our teaching careers. We must prepared to answer this question before we start any unit with our students. That way there is less of a chance that they will lose interest in the beginning. If we lose them before we even really get started we have no chance in engaging.
In way its like we have to be prepared to "battle" this question and all the things that go with it!!!
I agree. I know, I said I was done for the week, but I'm procrastinating on my Educational Philosophy statement. This beats actually doing homework, sort of.
I totally agree with you Valerie. How many of us are going to be confronted with the question, and without this chapter, would have lost the interest of half our class by saying, "Because it's required." Gallagher has surfaced as another valuable resource to use in our classes.
~Stan
I also like the way that Gallagher always offers ideas and activities within the chapter.They are always so helpful and realistic, and thats exactly what we need.
Today during my last day of my field experience the kids started reading To Kill A Mockingbird. One student in particular threw a ridiculous fit and kept asking, "Why do we have to read this?" I was so SICK of hearing him ask that, and I really wish I had read this chapter before I went to my field experience today so I could've given him an answer that would have shut him up. But I'm sure I'll have another student ask that question at some point during my career, and then I'll have a good answer.
Kitty, I like that it is realistic as well. For once I feel that the activities we actually are learning about are going to benefit us. I think these are the first two books I've been introduced to that have really great and possible activities to incorporate into the classroom. It is exciting to know that we don't have to rely on our creativity alone!
Post a Comment