#ELAchat Archive
All things Writing, Reading, and Language Arts.
Tuesday February 2, 2016
8:00 PM EST
-
-
Hello ! We have a special guest tonight! is talking about whole novels in the classroom.
-
Who is chatting tonight? Please introduce yourself!
-
. Hi! I'm excited to chat!
-
I am excited you are here to chat :)
-
-
I'm 8th gr ELA tchr in NYC & author of 4 the whole class! super excited so many have tried the approach!
-
-
Anyone else joining the tonight?
-
I'm going to share a few thoughts/questions on my mind about and I want to hear yours!
-
-
re: realizing so much depends on the text. Do u plan from objectives or look primarily at nature of text/what it needs
-
A little late, but had to get the kids to bed. Glad to be here!
-
. well each of us has inside scoop of our classroom but I've been working with T's beyond my own as well, learning a lot!
-
Here for a few min, or more, I hope
-
. For me, it has been about selecting texts that work together in an effort to offer a response to a larger question.
-
No questions tonight - just a casual chat about using novel in your classroom.
-
I’ve found the best unit I’ve done works when I give an option of two different books. Not too much to handle & kids get choice.
-
.: If we have time at the end of the hour, can I shoot a question to you regarding and the approach?
-
Shoot your question now :)
-
. makes sense. I love the critical thinking that comes when S's can build thought threads btw texts
-
representing for tonight. Mainly lurking and retweeting the greatness!
-
.: Have you sensed any kind of push-back in regard to approach vs. choice/wide reading approach? Address?
-
When I used two novels at the same time, I found I could still have authentic discussions at the end.
-
what novels don you pair up for units?
-
. yes, bc some just don;t believe in teaching a novel as whole class. they would argue are 2 long.
-
I’ve paired Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson with Inexcusable by Chris Lynch. Worked so well! Now looking for a pair w/ Of Mice & Men
-
Do you do any whole class novels anymore? If so, curious which ones.
-
What shares here is dependent upon the lead reader's having vetted through that text multiple times through lenses.
-
. esp bc short stories & poetry tend to be more abstract/difficult 2 analyze bc of their condensed form.
-
I think there should be a balance between all types of reading.
-
Unapologetically, I'm all about the whole class novel approach. And, I'm about "choice" too. We can advocate for both.
-
I agree. I do both as well. I do, however, find myself veering more toward choice every year.
-
. I really strive for balance too, but probably lean somewhat more toward
-
That’s why I like the approach. Teach one novel can be tough, but like this student-centered approach.
-
Adults read the same book in book clubs. We could let our students experience that too.
-
In order to meet needs of a whole class. . .and this is particularly true of new-to-profession. . .the whole class novel essential.
-
One crit of from advocates is it take 2 long, but the approach in my book changes that
-
I really struggle w/ finding the right book. The best two I have found are Part-Time Indian and Of Mice and Men.
-
Hi, All! We just started our 2nd , the bio . Ss are reading as lit for me & as history in social studies.
-
-
. Just finished THE CRUCIBLE and will be moving into ELI THE GOOD. We don't "camp out" in either long. Big question. .
-
dual reading purposes! Love it! Tell us more :)
-
-
. awesome! shared texts are norm in SS and science. I'd actually love 2 suggest SS & Sci T's move toward choice!
-
. awesome! shared texts are norm in SS and science. I'd actually love 2 suggest SS & Sci T's move toward choice!
-
. I think a novel gives that new teacher a toe-hold into possibility. Right selection will have text-mates.
-
About how long do whole novels take you? I’ve haven’t tried a play w/ approach. Have you ?
-
. For example, THE CRUCIBLE invites me to dip into ELI THE GOOD, non-fiction, picture books, poetry, comp. film as text.
-
I like idea of not "camping out" in a novel too long. Big concept=we can't "teach" everything in a . not even our job!
-
. I'm torn about plays. I think they should be read aloud.
-
My Ss that struggle w/ approach want study guide questions & “easy stuff.” Love making them think!
-
. my studies length depend on length of text. 2-3 wks of reading 1week of discussion/writing
-
. I'm glad you said that. . .because. . .we read THE CRUCIBLE aloud. I take multiple roles w/ some classes.
-
What are some of the strategies you use to scaffold that thinking? https://t.co/cMfohf0OQo
-
-
My Ss that struggle w/ approach want study guide questions & “easy stuff.” Love making them think!
-
what are some example shared texts w/SS and Sci?
-
I actually attempted a modified approach w/ Shakespeare last year. Read aloud & more mini-discussions throughout.
-
-
. And this is where we are now. Having finished the reading, it's time to work on the response.
-
Following ....so many good things being shared and talked about.
-
YES! When there is not 1 right answer, they get frustrated. I like seeing their comprehension on paper.
-
I teach THE CRUCIBLE as well. I have a CD of the play that we listen to, mostly.
-
. In the meantime, students are invited to read independently from choice.
-
Many of my 9th graders struggle w/ reading 2 books at once, so some use book as only one. Others challenge themselves.
-
. I have a recording too. But there is something about putting "me" into .
-
I am not a fan of students reading 2 books.
-
Acting scenes out is always a favorite in my room.
-
. both approaches take skill. but empowering t's is better than choosing methods 4 them any day.
-
Hi! I'm Erin, MS ELA teacher in IL and blogger at https://t.co/YfZudyvraU trying to participate in two chats tonight!
-
I’m only a fan when the student chooses to do so. By that point, I know what type of readers they are & if can handle it.
-
. I've memorized and can recite--in character--Abigail. Tituba. Proctor. Hale. Danforth.
-
-
Hi! Sorry to join late! I missed the reminder on my phone!
-
Ha! I’m close w/ Mercutio and the Nurse in R&J!
-
Another crit of from folks is that it's not going 2 meet needs of all S's/ not differentiated. But...
-
.: Admittedly, my copy of WHOLE CLASS NOVELS is due to arrive this week. I think we are on the same page though.
-
better late than never :)
-
I love using book clubs to teach while still providing student choice!
-
-
Any type of differentiation takes work, but it can be done!
-
. love to hear your thoughts when u get a chance! It's kind of a workshop approach 2 study, if you will.
-
. I think how we "ladder" types of texts to the novel is key here. Here is differentiation. Text-to-Text.
-
Me, too - same chats! It's a bit overwhelming!
-
how many choices do you offer?
-
Even as an adult, I get confused when I read multiple books at once.
-
-
I’m able to read multiple books at once now, but I wasn’t able to as a high school student.
-
. & leaving behind T-drivn instruction of , we open up possibilities 4 differentiating our support of Ss
-
unlimited! I let them choose whatever interests them as well as their preferred partners. Relinquish control!
-
Yes! My co-teacher was pleased w/ how well our first unit went this year. We met all Ss’ needs.
-
. I think it's the problematic nature of relying upon novel to do the work of multiple texts.
-
Another new direction in is around coaching S to take responsibility for reading/tracking progress.
-
. I agree w text ladders. I try 2 create this both within each study & across year.
-
Any follow up books or articles to !
-
Here's what I mean. . .sharing Bruce Springsteen's OUTLAW PETE picture book helps to drive home big idea of THE CRUCIBLE.
-
One of my fav activities is the theme analysis one w/ theme brainstorm notes. Tough, but Ss get it.
-
-
important to provide multiple text connections especially for struggling readers
-
-
. working on very short "guide 2 planning" study, but next full bk will b re: role of fiction writing in ELA!
-
. it really pushes them to think. I love it too.
-
Need reccs for texts to pair w play . Fiction & non-fiction style excerpts mostly. Help?
-
Yes! Many Ss struggle w/ theme, & this act reminds them it’s more than a topic. Need to find message.
-
-
Nice! Many ELA Ts will be eager to read this; we work in an ed environment - squeezes out fiction writing https://t.co/js2sPfcVXz
-
-
. working on very short "guide 2 planning" study, but next full bk will b re: role of fiction writing in ELA!
-
-
. I find the same thing. This is another mode of differentiation.
-
Confession: lately when I'm in a classrm where S's study novels but don;t write fiction, I feel like the classroom is 3legged horse
-
Short Story Collection: GAMES WE PLAYED. Older POV of well-known figures looking back on games of youth. Poignant.
-
so glad to hear this! I was very worried whether ppl would be interested in a book on this topic, but it seems they are!
-
Thanks for allowing to "listen in" on tonight. Good stuff!
-
-
-
I incorporated some fiction writing w/ my last unit! Practiced creating conversation in dialogue, voice
-
I'm terrible for having that thought. It's a new thing, but I can;t quite shake it.
-
Of course! There is so much multi-genre writing today. Ss need both!
-
Another great topic to discuss - multi-genre writing!
-
See, too, Matt Tavares titles. Books like BASEBALL SAVED US. Excerpts from book, LIFE'S SO GOOD.
-
Yes! Great topic to consider
-
Just need a willing host :)
-
Any other questions re: ? I am going to have to leave twitter for a whole at 9, but will check back and respnd.
-
I hope you can find one! :)
-
. I've been working with traditional poetic forms to drive prose. Writing in quatrains, tankas, cinquains vet ideas.
-
Thanks for chatting with us tonight!
-
Keep us updated on new books/projects!
