#ELAchat Archive
All things Writing, Reading, and Language Arts.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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Hi! I'm Kristin from east central IL. I teach juniors and dual credit srs. I'll be your host tonight! Please introduce yourselves.
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I'm Lindsay, from NJ. I teach 7th Grade English!
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Thanks for hosting tonight!
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I'm Traci, from IL. I teach 8th grade English and Reading
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Tricia, outside Philly, 9th & 11th grade English, world lit, - excited to talk independent rdg!
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Leigh Anne 6th grade ELA from southern Indiana.
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Clint from Bettendorf, IA checking in to . 9th grade ELA teacher.
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Q1 (warm-up): What are you reading for personal enjoyment? Do you have a reading routine?
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7th grade ela checking in from nj
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A1: Currently reading Reclaiming Conversation by Turkle. Like to switch between F & NF to keep it fresh.
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A1: Right now I am reading an ARC of Rookie of the Year by . It's just a great read thus far.
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A1 Couple yrs ago I committed to rdg 30 mins before bed. Some nights more, some nights less. But it's relaxing.
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a1 reading a mothers reckoning. I try to read a little bit each night. I also read in class while Sts read.
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Currently listening to (does that count?) Shatter by Michael Robotham. I have a long commute to work so I do a lot of audio.
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A1: I'm reading pedagogy books for pleasure right now. Just finished on 1:1 tech by Excellent!!
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A1 I just finished My Brother's Secret by Dan Smith. Great historical fiction for middle grades!
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A1 I'm rdg Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danicat--collection of short stories from Haiti. Also rdg books for an Eng grad class.
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A1: But also reading A Man Called Ove (my grown-up book) and Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls (my YA book)
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I try to do the same! Some nights I don't make it past one page and other nights I stay up too late!
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I just finished Book Love. Now that was a great book!Learned a lot about literacy and reading.
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I love ARCs! I was fortunate to attend both and this past year.
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Hi ! So excited I made it in time for Q1 - I'm Jori from Northern CA and I teach AP Lit, Eng 10 and Eng 12
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so jealous. 2 events I really want to attend.
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That book changed my teaching as much as Book Whisperer did!
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I have an English tchr friend who does the same w/her commute bc of her toddler son.
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BOOK LOVE - One of my favorites!
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A1 - Just picked up Ready, Player, One from school lib - dystopian with multiple '80s references - highly recommended by by Ss
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Danticat is wonderful! I read her stuff a lot during my undergrad.
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I read Suicide Notes over winter break. It was something else.
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Hello, ! Currently reading NEED by Joelle Charbonneau, and listening to BOMB on CDs in the car. ;)
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Q2: What do you require for independent reading? Assigned texts? Choice? Time or quantity of books? Do you offer extra credit?
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Read Book Whisperer this summer - want to read Book Love next
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Good to hear. Just started it - Ss recommended it!
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Sorry, almost forgot to post next question--enjoying reading all your responses and making a tbr list!
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A1: I love reading from 8-9 pm. Need to shut off the screen at 8pm, or I can't sleep.
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Hi Joy! So glad I was able to make to with you
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You will love it. I re-read Book Whisper and Reading in the Wild each year.
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I always pick up something new each time no matter what.
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That book was transformative for me! My IR instruction is modeled after
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A2 For 9th graders, I req. 1 IR book/qtr. for minimal points. As long as they are reading, I'm happy. Book lvls have to make sense
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a2 my Sts goal is to read 100 pgs a week. Most of the time they have choice but other times we look at specific genres/formats 1/2
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I would love to hear what you do. I changed mine this year too after reading Book Love.
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A2: Generally, I ask Ss to for 2 hours per week and a reflection using Notice & Note signposts as suggestion
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Hey, Kristin!!! Amazing topic for a chat!
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A2: NO extra credit here!! 7th gr expects 20-30 min/night for only HW. Choice reading. In class, we read 20 min 3x/week. Need more.
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like graphic novels, novels in verse, biography/autobiography, dystopian lit circle 2/2
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I require 60 minutes a week - their choice two writing responses. One nonfiction reading a week and one writing response
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A2 Ss set a pace and then read 2 hrs in and/or out of class. Has been working great this year!
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Saving this to look at later and create a tbr list. https://t.co/VtSy4MOzWM
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Q2: What do you require for independent reading? Assigned texts? Choice? Time or quantity of books? Do you offer extra credit?
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A@ For jrs I require an ind read every 6 weeks. Their choice. I offer ex cr for Abe Lincoln nominees, winners.
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My 7th graders had similar goals. We read daily. Hard for many HS Ss due to schedules https://t.co/IBlG4E65AO
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A2: NO extra credit here!! 7th gr expects 20-30 min/night for only HW. Choice reading. In class, we read 20 min 3x/week. Need more.
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a2 each mp we hold an after school book discussion for extra credit, which sometimes includes an author visit or Skype session
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A2: Choice, choice, choice - I've tried to take as many of the artif accountability measures away as poss - authentic exper
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I offer independent reading extra credit. The 20 Book Challenge. Read 20 books outside of class during the school year.
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A2L It's all about choice! Plain & simple.Get to konw your Ss & likes, interests, fav authors. Expose them to wide variety of text.
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I've used the signposts in class and in the past w/ind rdg. Will probably need to use again.
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Excellent! Always love bringing librarian in for booktalks to broaden horizons. https://t.co/SjaOVG1fKO
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A2: Choice, choice, choice - I've tried to take as many of the artif accountability measures away as poss - authentic exper
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I loved the goal setting from I need to remember to ask students to check their rate for their current book.
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A2: Choice is a non-negotiable. During IR, conferencing is also at the heart & soul of it. Small focus conversations go a long way.
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My ind rdg ea 6 wks is 60 points and I only offer an extra 5 for choosing from the extra list. But they must earn a passing grade.
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Just started Ss booktalks this semester - simple assignment - HUGE impact
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We try to reset every other Monday or when a S has a drastic change like graphic novels.
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Q3: What limits do you set on books students may choose from? Movies? Reading level? Age level? Assigned in other curriculum?
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a2 I'm all for choice but balance is important. My Sts have requested more whole class reading experiences.
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I like those, too. We have Ss do booktalks once a semester.
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With my 8th graders my focus is on working on their writing responses to their choice of literature. I grade the writing.
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Yup, this is what I do, too!
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Our librarian has a group of students create book trailers online. They come out so well!
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A3: No real limits on books. They just can't pull kid books for the numbers, though. Convos help avoid this.
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a3 no real limits. Interest is what matters most.
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A3 - Although we are using Accel Reader and set goals, I do not force Ss to choose from ZPD -opened it wide up - with good results
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A2: Susan from the ATL jumping in late; I typically have Ss do a reader response, style analysis and a creative element with choice
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no real limits. Of course, I push Ss to read challenging texts, diff genres, etc. Don't really focus on level.
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A2: When we read whole class novels, we take time in between for Read-A-Thons! Non-stop reading! Has worked really well - kids love
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A3 I try not to set limits, but instead let Ss learn how to choose books they are capable of and enjoy reading.
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A3 I had to remove books that were made into movies after too much movie cited textual evidence became a problem.
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and that's cool that you are listening to their voices.If whole class experiences help build reading community, do it.
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We do whole class novels and indep reading Ss choice reading - I agree, both have a purpose
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Yes, choice is key. With choice comes motivation and hopefully, joy!
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A2 I have certain books that need parent permission - Orbiting Jupiter, Fault in Our Stars...I teach 6th gr. and some aren't ready.
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A2: My Ss choose indep. books. Ss read 20 minutes per night and complete a choice project when finished. No extra credit tho!
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yes let's listen to our readers 🤓
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A3: I do not set limits. Sometimes we like to re-read old favorites, too. Some great vocab in picture books, as well!
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A3 I have also had to require main char be at least high school age, but see me w/exceptions such as Room.
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no doubt. they want to be heard and valued.
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A3: I set as few limits as possible. I talk to Ss about choosing based on their own needs, interests
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Orbiting Jupiter? 6th grade narrator, and nothing crazy... I have been sharing that one so much!
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A3: Don't ever underestimate the power of a picture book. They drive my classroom. So powerful.
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Unrelated to independent rdg--I've been distracted by texts. We just cancelled school for tomorrow!
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I do this, too, out of necessity - range of Ss in Eng 10 reading from 3rd gr - PHS
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I'm always looking for picture books to help teach my content and I teach 7th grade!
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The idea of an 8th grader with a baby made me be a little too careful probably!
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I try to encourage my Sts to compare them in their written responses then 1/2
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Q4: How do you monitor independent reading? Time? Reading log? Online record? Blog? Traditional book report?
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And I can't believe they've never read Jumanji or The Polar Express!! :D
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. I've had many Sts motivated to read before & after seeing the movie 2/2
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I use Whooo's Reading
It is a combination of reading log and common core questions
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;) I was fascinated by that concept. Kids were SCARED! (Awesome. They SHOULD be.) ;)
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Love to teach with picture books..relatable for Ss and inspires them to write!
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I have a statement parents sign off on in September explaining that some books are more mature.
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A4: Monitor IR by conferencing and having short book talks. Also check their reading notebooks. We use for book blurbs.
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A4: I go with a Google Form and conversations right now. End goal is to work in class blogs or something like
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My students put together a Powerpoint/Google Slides that discusses main aspects of the book. They come out great!
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A4 I have used signposts in the past, One Pagers to monitor. Using online this yr but won't next yr.
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A4: We pass along a clipboard each time we read independently in class. Makes for great 1:1 conversations. https://t.co/jVJnTJsX5W
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A4: Reading time, Ss also fill out Google form to tell me when they've finished. Great way to keep track of Ss interests, too.
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A4 -We just got Ac Reader - was skep at first, but comp tests 1 good account meas - also conferenc and bk talk - no logs - Hallelu!
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I'm toying with the idea of Bibionasium, as my students aren't yet 13.
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a4 I track their pages. And they write a weekly response in reaction to their reading
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a4 I track their pages. And they write a weekly response in reaction to their reading
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A3: Ss should be challenged, given the world of what is out there, and the freedom to choose what they read
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A4: Start each IR day with Atwell style "Status of the Class" - works great and everyone gets to hear what others are reading
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Joy haven't heard of Bibionasium. It is like Goodreads? can you make it private?
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I haven't heard of that one, yet. I will definitely be passing it along. Thanks!
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A4: We also use the Big Idea Notebooks idea from BOOK LOVE. I love how they can then read others from years prior.
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Ooh, tell me more, please. What is "Status of the class" Been a while since I've read Atwell
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I just logged on last night. Will toy with it next week. ;)
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A4: give Ss the time to openly share at start of class with limited interruptions and free flow of ideas
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I would love to hear how you use these. I have them made but have not implemented yet.
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A4: finished Book Love by . I now use her system of tracking pages - send around a clipboard, ss mark book/current pg
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Every two weeks, after silent reading, we take another 10 min to choose a theme/notebook based on our book, & write.
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I would also like to hear more about the Big Idea Notebooks
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Google forms combined with google slides and open sharing is great
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Go around/ask each Ss the book and page # they are on. Keep track on a master spreadsheet. Easy to see Ss progress
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Sometimes they share, but not often. They like to read the others in the notebooks, though! Mine: https://t.co/qH3zR1DcPN
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I MUST find the time to do this! I think it could be a huge impact on their reading lives.
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A4: Recently started blogging. Have seen a huge improvement in quality of writing. Ss know classmates will see their work!
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A4: also the reading selfie with twitter type summary post
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a4 we also started using this year so we can share our reading after they leave my classroom
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I don't have an assigned number of mins or pages per wk bc my high schoolers have many obligations. That's why I assign 1 bk/6 wks.
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Q5: Whose philosophy do you follow? Kelly Gallagher? Penny Kittle? Kylene Beers? Donalyn Miller? What resources are useful?
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isn't it amazing what an audience can do for some kids.
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A5 We've been discussing so many of our ELA gurus I moved question 6 up to 5.
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A4: I set up a website where Ss could share book reviews, author studies, etc. Ss are responsible for content and upkeep of site
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Joining in late, had kiddos to put to bed. First timer to . A4: I use https://t.co/5KUQl52ssu to share blogs/summaries/responses
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I teach 7th grade ELA as well. :) Make sure to get the composition notebooks when they're 25cents!
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Um... ALL?! I like to mix and match ideas, and switch if something doesn't work. https://t.co/68uIrAcEDV
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Q5: Whose philosophy do you follow? Kelly Gallagher? Penny Kittle? Kylene Beers? Donalyn Miller? What resources are useful?
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A lot of Kylene Beers fiction and non-fiction signposts, but I always add my own personal touches. Gotta make it work for my Ss.
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A5: Book Love and In the Middle are my go-to inspirations. We also do NF rdg via AoW
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All of the above? A5 https://t.co/d8l2VrkRoQ
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Q5: Whose philosophy do you follow? Kelly Gallagher? Penny Kittle? Kylene Beers? Donalyn Miller? What resources are useful?
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I've got a TON of books, so sometimes they borrow mine for a day (forgot book = on classroom shelf).
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havent read the NF book yet, but LOVED the fictional signposts. Ss still use the language. it's living and breathing.
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A5 I've heard Gallagher, Kittle, & Miller speak in person. They make it sound so simple. Wish it was that easy in my classrm.
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Definitely! Ss who struggle to write more than a sentence can form such insightful paragraphs. Knew they could!
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A5 - Donalyn Miller changed the way I approach indep reading - started 10-15 min ind reading every day in class
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I agree! It is about adjusting to Ss need
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Ready to add another?? CHOICE WORDS by Peter Johnston. REALLY helped me communicate w/kids & give better feedback.
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I ask my football players why? Fri night lights! Ask drama students why? Standing O! Ss in class???
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for sure. It's that little extra care. Way to push them!
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I need a forum that I can control & set to private but would love to have mine blog.
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Me, too! They are amazing and so inspiring!
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SUCH a great point! https://t.co/LF3BXWO790
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I ask my football players why? Fri night lights! Ask drama students why? Standing O! Ss in class???
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a5 atwells the reading zone doesn't get much love but was more helpful for me than in the middle - is that sacrilege?
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Jori, do you have block schedule?
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A5: I use the Susan Barber philosophy which is a combination of everything I read & like; you have to make ideas work on your terms
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i use that connection when talking about hard work with actors, sports players, musicians, etx
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Yes, I have created my Kristin Runyon method. I think it's working.
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I just started using a wiki space this year - which is free and private.
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No - 50 minute periods - diff to make the leap, but it's had a HUGE impact - best thing I've done in years
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YES JOY! Choice words rock. I constantly reference my notes from that one.
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just got my hands on the nonfiction book. exploring it as we speak! Trying some things out this week.
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A5 All of the above! All 4 of those amazing educators have changed my teaching! I've taken something from each one and implemented.
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It's the one book I think everyone who talks to people should read. ;)
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Wow! I tried using every Monday for ind rdg after listening to didn't work 1st sem. https://t.co/VtSnwbZceY
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No - 50 minute periods - diff to make the leap, but it's had a HUGE impact - best thing I've done in years
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Ruth Arsenaut is one of my new reading gurus
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I am lucky to have library day on Mondays so we have DEAR every Monday for 20 minutes.
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It CAN be done. has 50 min periods, and her students read independently 10-15 min A DAY. https://t.co/ozUcuH29mt
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No - 50 minute periods - diff to make the leap, but it's had a HUGE impact - best thing I've done in years
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do you have the do their 10 min of Ind Read in place of a warm up?
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I have 45 minutes. Students read 10 minutes at the beginning.
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I did it every Fri for yrs - was in denial ab how ddn't work - not way real readers read
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A5 After seeing at NerdCamp, I have more courage to stand up for what I believe which may not be the majority!
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Q5: How do you recommend books? Read YA lit? Book talks? Book trailers? State/national award winners?
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Yes - it kind of IS our warm up - sets the tone - more focused
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Q6: How do you recommend books? Read YA lit? Book talks? Book trailers? State/national award winners?
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We make sure to read 20 minutes 3 times a week. Kids have come to expect/love it.
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Book Love by - changed my whole approach!
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Just bouncing in to feel the love!
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I get 40 min. we read each day for 10 min. Sts have asked for MORE time on their mp selfevals.
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Just used the same connection to teach 7th graders about discipline. Relate to lives = understanding
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My 8th graders are obsessed with the Star Wars like books that are origami. It is weird to see them fold while they read.
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I try to read a lot of the novel students will be interested in and put copies in my classroom's 'library' for students to sign out
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I feel the same way. Surrounding ourselves with strong voices helps us find our own.
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Stopping by to check the chat. Pressed for time tonight.
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I read Origami Yoda for class in the fall. LOVED it and I don't like YA or middle grade lit.
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just have them reflect about their reading & writing experiences each marking period.
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Hi Reidun! I have 50 min and the same amount of ind. rdg.
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Yes! just did a 6 week refl and that's the main thing they ask for - more time! non rder boys
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A6 My ss know I don't like YA lit so I rely on lists esp award winners from ALA/YALSA and ISLMA
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what they liked, what surprised them, what didn't work for them, set goals for next mp, etc
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A6: when I see a kid ❤️a book, I ask them if they've read such&such book with either a similar plot/themes- omg u should read it!
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I just jumped on here, and already love being around like-minded teachers. Affirming!
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A6: Proximity is key = rich classroom libraries coupled with book talks, book talks, book talks!
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A6: I read award winners and nominated books. Best seller list. Practice book talks by writing Goodread reviews first.
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A6 I like bc it's online & similar to fb to ss can see what others are reading and posting.
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A6 I am trying to read some of the interesting ARCs that I rec'd last year. Ss like the idea of rdg an unpublished book.
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Thinking about it. A few of my grad school classmates are going. Definitely a great opportunity!
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Yes, timing is key. Must catch Ss when they are most open to your next rdg rec! https://t.co/4aC0QOnUWO
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A6: when I see a kid ❤️a book, I ask them if they've read such&such book with either a similar plot/themes- omg u should read it!
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A6: I recommend many books from the past, present, and get them geeked for ones to come! MANY booktalks from me, kids, & other Ts!
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This has been an easy chat to host!
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The topic is something we all hold near and dear. Thank goodness!
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Q7: What suggestions for creating or adding to a classroom library do you have?Do you have a classroom library?
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A6: I like to visit ELA classrooms and see what books keep popping up on Ss' desks
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I love my classroom library. I don't think my kids love it as much as I do though. Not many use it.
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Reading is my TOP priority this year and changing things has made a huge diff - thank you!!!
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A6: I also have a dedicated corner of my whiteboard & in the haljway that says "Mrs Ebarvia is currently reading..." Modeing is key
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I'm a new teacher, my second year, so I have a personal collection of books that I share with my students- books I've read myself
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A7 There's always a little "extra" money floating around in the budget at certain times of the year-put in a wishlist for books
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Ooh! I'm totally stealing this idea :) https://t.co/CMWaK2AxOi
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A6: I also have a dedicated corner of my whiteboard & in the haljway that says "Mrs Ebarvia is currently reading..." Modeing is key
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A7: I use the public library a lot to bring in new books. I can't afford all that I want to buy, so it fills the gaps.
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A7: diverse genres with Ss voice of popular texts
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A7 I may be embarrassed to admit that I probably have over 1000 books in my classrm library.
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Part of my classroom library... Library book sales are my FAVORITES, garage sales and Goodwill, too! https://t.co/kApYy3QZcx
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Our district holds a marathon "Legs for Literacy." Proceeds go directly to books for kids.
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That's not embarrassing! That's delightful!!
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A7 I attend conf every few yrs for ARCs, buy from library bookstores, clearance bks from Books A Million. And my own books.
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I beg my seniors to donate books they have outgrown.
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Right before I started my first year a fellow teacher let me "borrow" one copy of each of her schools classroom texts. Great start.
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NOT an embarrassment. A celebration! I don't want to count - but I should, so I can impress the kids! ;)
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For sure, that's amazing! I wish I could keep them - keep having to buy new ones
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A6: Twitterature. Ss create short reviews on notecards and pin to board. Helps Ss see what others have read https://t.co/C6lR52yY9z
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A7: Ss self-serve check-in/check-out using Classroom 1st, last 5 min of class Ss always browsing!
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You KNOW they're good books when they ... disappear ...
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a7 public library sales are my classroom library's secret also
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A7 I have even had students donate books to me.
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True! I have a conundrum deciding how many times I will re-purchase the same book.
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Last but not least Q8: What book do you recommend to all of us to add to our to-be-read piles, as teachers or for our students?
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This year, early Dec, I shamefully let the kids know I do NOT drink coffee, but I DO like to buy B & N books for the classroom...
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A7: I stalk local library sales and used book sites like to stock up!
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Right?! I write a note in new copies... letting them know I'd love MORE Ss to read them.
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A7: At the end of the year, I ask for Ss donations - many do! I put a sticker inside their donations so that future Ss know :)
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I started to set this up 1 wk before school in Aug and was overwhelmed. Need to spend all summer
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a7 has AMAZING sales of current best sellers
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I truly believe every person who works with other people (especially children) should read CHOICE WORDS by Peter Johnston.
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The Book of Awesome--I just "lost" my 10th copy.
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Joy, I agree with the Peter Johnston book being a required read 100%
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Yes! Stickers are great to recognize the donors. I do the same for books purchased w/gift cards. :D
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Oh darn, I missed ! I was thinking it was at 9pm for some reason!
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Wow some of your class libraries are an inspiration! New long-term goal
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I have about 1,900-need to weed through them.Choices are too overwhelming for some Ss.Just bought more for
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George Hillocks's book on Narrative Writing is a gem.
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A8 I think everyone--teachers & students--should read Violent Ends by Shaun Hutchinson. It's about a school shooting.
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I've started an annual book giveaway each June
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Details? What does it involve--it sounds provocative.
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Thanks for the chat! Have your classes join the this Friday if they've read it b4 or are now! https://t.co/vuYss5yMzU
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A7: Cost of All Things, Forgive Me Leonard Peacock big hits among my 9th graders
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When I purged by movie book shelf students went crazy taking the free books.
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Darn it! We're just getting started - maybe next year
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Thanks for hangin' around tonight, ladies! It's been awhile! Great chat, !
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A8: some of my Ss and I just finished All the Light We Cannot See for our independent reading - WOW!
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I have to suggest the God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. Read it in college, can't forget about it. Not suitable for young ones
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Thank you for the lovely chat! Nice to connect with even more great minds
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I won't start until the end of March.
