#Engchat Archive
#engchat is a network of English teachers connecting with one and another via Twitter to share ideas, resources and inspiration. This conversation happens every Monday at 7 PM EST. To join, search for the hashtag, #engchat in twitter or use a tool such as TweetChat to help you follow the discussion. Each week, a guest moderator shares a new idea, perspective or vision of what it means to be an English teacher.
Monday January 11, 2016
Research papers graded. Tea brewed. Time for with smart colleagues.
Hello ! I'm so excited to have here to lead us in a reflection on the year so far!
Please introduce yourself before we get started! And feel free to invite friends to join us!
Sarah, 9th and 12th grade English at a STEM HS in NJ. So excited for tonight's chat!
I teach grades 9 and 12 this year and just finished a night school class ages 14-21 in NH.
Hello from Pennsylvania--Brian--I teach 7th and 8th grade writing classes
Leigh Anne 6th grade ELA from Indiana. So excited to be here!
Aileen from central PA. Literacy supervisor/coach.
Thank you for joining us!
doesn't this count as night school too?
Hello from Kim and Jill in NB Canada. We are K-12 literacy coordinators.
Ms Ellefson, teaches 7/8 grade English in MN
Wow 14 to 21. Bet that has some interesting conversations!
We will follow a Q1,A1 format tonight. I've made graphics for the questions to allow for more info/make it easier to RT ;)
Really interesting writing and thinking… such a supportive, interesting group. They pushed me.
It's definitely my night school. ;)
Katherine, 5th grade ELA in central Illinois. Excited to be here!
I like teacher night school. Especially with
First question coming up soon....
Kevin from Teacher Learning Sessions, north of Boston, south of Penny. Interested to learn from you all.
Jessica, 7th gr ELA, Illinois! Looking forward to joining for a few min while dinner warms!
Not an official question, but what are you all reading?
I am reading Hamilton by Ron Chernow after seeing the amazing this past weekend.
I’m starting Dumplin’ tonight… can’t wait. Also reading H is for Hawk.
Popping in and out tonight. K-12 ELA supervisor from NJ.
Glad to have you popping in and out!
The Secret Hum of a Daisy
Just started A Monster Calls...I know I am a few years behind everyone else. . https://t.co/ayuwvNqGGS
Not an official question, but what are you all reading?
Janice, grad school instructor in PA, looking forward to this convo
Oooh, I enjoyed H is for Hawk (audiobook is great). And I just finished Dumplin' for . Enjoy!
I am reading all the Newbery 2016 books.
Circus Mirandus and The Reading Strategies Book
Karen, 11 & 12 & IB English, VA
Just finished Dead Wake and starting The Elegance of the Hedgehog.
CONSOLATIONS, BIG MAGIC, and MORE HAPPY THAN NOT at the moment.
. A lot of PD. Rereading Minds Made For Stories. Starting Write What Matters: For Yourself, For Others.
Just joining from Buffalo, NY! I'm Sarah and I teach 9th grade ELA.
9-11 Eng tchr here from SC--ready to learn & watch Clemson win tonight 😊
Q1: Let’s start with celebrations… what has been going well in the first half of the year?
Dumplin' is a favorite from 2015.
Tricia, HS 9/11 teacher outside Philly! Just finished Fates and Furies!
Currently reading Nutter by Erin Jade Lange
Paper Things by and Close Writing by
Reading Furiously Happy my Jenny Lawson. It's so funny! Will read Marcelo in the Real World next & the All American Boys.
My Ss have bought into independent reading more voraciously than ever this year. They love books!
Hey Penny! I am reading Passenger 😊
reading My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
Fates and Furies… one of my favorites of 2015. Brilliant writing.
Just finished The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse by and it was terrific!
A1 The majority of my fifth graders are finding a love of reading and writing. Stretching themselves.
Currently reading Butter by Erin Jade Lange
Whatever it Takes by about Geoffrey Canada. Trying to think bigger about my current kids.
A1: Students in K-12 are reading, writing, and speaking voraciously and passionately daily.
A1: 1st time pushing reading writing workshop on a regular basis. AND IT'S WORKING! My Ss are reading more than I ever thought.
Sonia Manzano's Becoming Maria (yes, that Maria)
Q1: My Ss are great this year! Lots of personality, and I think (I hope) we smile&laugh everyday together. Ind Rdg also going well!
A1. I got my Ss to write a week straight by having our class chat via Twitter w/a class in Norway about Juvenile Justice
A1 - Sts are engaged and loving books. The smiles for miles and the piles of books when they leave our library is proof along.
Wonderful. Amazing what kids will do when we empower them to make choices. More than we expect.
Currently reading In Place of Never by Julie Anne Lindsey.
Thanks Anytime I'm paired with in a tweet I'm honored!! https://t.co/FPrcg0xEp8
Paper Things by and Close Writing by
Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life & King of the Wild Frontier
A1: conferring more than ever and learning more than ever...recording most on iPhone app, so interesting to listen back
Agree! I am passing it around my department - so much to talk about in that one!
A1: Celebrating learning about readers through reading conferences!
Getting more support this year with independent reading!
Hi ...Shawna from NH. Resisting the urge to start the last chapter of ALL AMERICAN BOYS b/c I don't want it to end.
A2 I have implemented several from things from Book Love -reading pace, tracking, regular ind. reading each day & more
A1: Some of my students are reading more than they ever have and you can see their confidence. Inspiring.
A1: Taught Teaching Writing grad class w/3 HS Eng teachers who were totally compelled to infuse more choice into teaching writing!
A1: Our students are doing independent reading bc teachers are making time for it in English classes.
I'm in love with that book! Read it twice already!
A1 Parents of several reluctant readers report much more interest in reading at home! Yay!
Passionate daily reading that is spreading to other schools.
A1 Ss read 1058 books first semester!
A1: My students are reading the newspaper in every period. We are doing lots of interdisciplinary Bio/English work.
Going paperless (mostly) this year has been amazing! Seeing my students reap the benefits!
A1 We have been getting into lots of classrooms to share book recommendations and share our reading lives.
A1: Seniors finished huge research projects and present TED talks tomorrow. I’m excited to see their growth, but want more time.
A1 - a balance of direct mini-lessons and time reading.
A1, students had a project to make board games with themes from their dystopian unit. Super creative, great for learning
A1: Breaking free of the 5-paragraph essay with my 9th graders - it's been an adventure!
A1: Some students still struggling to write a lot… my every other day schedule is frustrating.
I hear ya! There is never enough time.
Yes! Looking forward to seeing mine on Wednesday.
A1 Reading workshop implementation in K-3 has been going well! Love seeing Ss so excited to read & share books.
I moved from an every day to 3x/week class schedule and that's been a huge adjustment.
A1. New Media Center Specialist is letting the Ss check out more books than previously; Ss have books to read in their cells!
We also had our first TED event this year - kids are amazing. It's a club at our school.
A1- as an instructional coach, proud we have some MS & HS folks embracing workshop & gradual release. Modeling writing more.
More reflection going on in 8 grade writing- Amy in KY here! Joining a bit late on a snow day!!
A1: Multimodal writing in Brit Lit, Boy 21 being read in reading support class. Ss with voice and choice in learning.
I see my Ss 4 days out of a 6 day cycle. Wish for more consistency.
Is there ever enough time for a teacher and our students! https://t.co/LHBPRoRmcX
A1: Seniors finished huge research projects and present TED talks tomorrow. I’m excited to see their growth, but want more time.
and both look awesome tonight but I'm sick and tired and going back to bed. Next week!
A1 More teachers finding their voice -- confidence to share ideas with colleagues at differen levels of experience
A1 So much great happening in my school. It's slowly becoming a mindset rather than a method.
Q1: Ss are learning love reading again.
A1: Cool multi-narrator project this year with grade 9 pushed us all to think hard and learn more about voice.
We have this & I alternate workshop days to boot. It's tough finding balance, but our longer blocks help.
A1: Just got new Ss last Tuesday--successes so far are the # of Ss checking out books from me already for ind. reading :)
A1 this year's group really taking to giving better feedback; very attentive to talking about the writing (not just "I like")
Love this. Makes me hopeful and happy! https://t.co/qZtkEwbuWj
A1 So much great happening in my school. It's slowly becoming a mindset rather than a method.
5 paragraph essay on what is wrong with 5 paragraph essay? ;)
Boy21 is so wonderful. Also just read his next one - Every Exquisite Thing - contacted Quick, he sent a copy!
Do you do the 80 min classes every other day? That's what our HS does, but didn't when I attended. It's interesting.
Also more non-traditional narrative writing rather than "writing to the test" W/ boring stupid prompts (AKA state test prompts)
They'll get there! Give word counts instead & flash draft w/ no paragraphs. Revise later to see how many are there.
Yes. Has been this way for years, but I see it more since I’m collaborating w/someone who teaches every day.
Being made to give a midterm "exam" this year instead of my usual portfolios. Trying to adjust.
1/2 At first, inquiry was like yet another subject: "I'm doing inquiry w/ students during last block," etc. But now...
Ahh. It would be tough not to see them every day. Time and blocking is never ideal. I'm always asking for more.
Trying to get students more adept at authentic forms of writing, more real-world, more mentor texts
2/2 It's starting to feel like a way of thinking. There isn't much that ISN'T approached through an inquiry lens. For Ss & for Ts.
Me, too… always. We created voice recordings which was a blast.
What precipitated the shift? https://t.co/ztvUVR6PxZ
2/2 It's starting to feel like a way of thinking. There isn't much that ISN'T approached through an inquiry lens. For Ss & for Ts.
A1: Finally figured out to have Ss write reflections at end of each marking period; interesting to read their POV of their growth
Got to run. Kids gone wild. 😖
Isn't it sad? I learned so much more about my Ss from portfolios, and they gained so much more!
A1: I find I’m bringing ‘podcast thinking’ into my classroom since I’m listening to them (my mentor texts) & recording them.
We are starting a book study on Writing with Mentors with teachers to explore this too. https://t.co/hoLWMl67Fx
Trying to get students more adept at authentic forms of writing, more real-world, more mentor texts
Yes! This is huge for me. Ss working on a semester reflection now and I can't wait to read them.
Lots of hard work and thinking and talk. LOTS of support in taking healthy risks. It's been several yrs of this now.
Our department is reading it this year… fabulous, right?
A1: Wrote several essays along with my students to make my process more visible. Ss also gave me feedback - so valuable!
I just finished sharing two episodes of Season 1 w/ 9th grade as an intro to Romeo and Juliet. <3 podcasts
A2: My students read every day, write/revise every day, and we often study a text together before they return to their writing.
Agree. It's one of those things that we (I) sometime forget to do. Very valuable.
I teach in 60 min blocks, so the first 15 min everyday is indep reading. After that, it depends on unit. Writing happens EVERYDAY!
Did you love it? My students keep telling me to read it.
A2 - I don't divide periods. I teach a unit - last unit was a short research. Some days reading mini-lessons, some days writing.
- I do that 2- but also do a KWL- what they know (about a genre) want 2 know- we use rubric & periodically what we learn.
Love it for so many reasons- mentor texts and fostering independence.
A2 M-TH writing. F self-selected reading.
Book study is a great idea! I have that book but haven't had a chance to open it yet. Love their blog!
A2: I see my S 3x/week. 9th graders read the paper + write every day. Tues/Thurs we do minilessons + booktalks, 3rd day=workshop
Agree that fostering independence is an important aim for all of us.
Q2: 20 min reading, then reading minilesson or writing wrkshp & NoRedInk grammar for other 70-75 minutes. Alternate reading/writing
A2: We have a 47-minute class, with the first 10-15 min for silent reading. Trying to figure out how to chunk time past that.
A2: Wednesdays I have duty in bio class (all 9th graders are there) and we often do a crossover activity (eco-art last month)
A2 I teach Writing- we read like writers- many mentor texts. Starting research unit and lots of reading going on for evidence.
love the emphasis Writing with Mentors by puts on multimedia in the writing workshop.
https://t.co/AmTnYC45ds
Received clearance to try live streaming an assembly so parents can watch from home/work. Huge tech upgrade!
Only see kids every other day.
So on Fridays they have all period to read? Do you confer with lots of them? Do they read during the week on their own?
A2: Have been working to support MS Ts w/this.Facing lack of growth in Ss. Reading posts here to learn from your perspectives.
Looking to do a multimedia project this year! https://t.co/if0q2X6XIr
love the emphasis Writing with Mentors by puts on multimedia in the writing workshop.
A2: I try to give time to read in class as often as possible. Struggling to do it everyday but working on it.
A1:finishing protest art this week. Ss are researching topics they're passionate about and creating art to express their pov
A2: Tough to do both in 43min, but even when we focus on rdg, I try to focus on reading like a writer, so Ss see the connections.
We read in class today so I'm very happy. :)
Allington: “Older struggling readers will never become proficient unless we dramatically increase the volume of rdg.”
Start with 20 min of "Dive In" (my name for PR) then whatever then depends on where we are in unit if more writing/reading focused
A2 That is how mine is set up. We alternate units of writing and reading but we read everyday. https://t.co/xmHZaoZ7go
A2: We have a 47-minute class, with the first 10-15 min for silent reading. Trying to figure out how to chunk time past that.
Welcome. We’re talking about the balance of reading and writing in our classes.
A2. I have 2- 2 hour ELA blocks. Alternate mini lessons by week, 1 week read, the next write. IR everyday, writing everyday too.
How is the lack of growth that you're seeing being demonstrated?
My students read for 15 min each day, and then I do at least one book talk. That has really helped put books in students' hands!
A2: Start with 20 min of "Dive In" (my name for PR) then depends on where we are in unit if more writing/reading focused
First Twitter chat. So excited. I teach 2nd ELA.
A2: Still trying to figure this out. Since Unit 3 is research/writing, writing will be intense shortly.
A2: First semester we did free choice ind rdg every Monday, then Articles of the Week every Friday. Shared texts in between.
Awesome. I’ve always loved how has all day reading on Fridays.
A2. I have to say that I'm much better about reading & writing being happily married. Can't have one without the other...
Thankfully I have a self-contained class, so I always make time for independent reading w/self-selected books.
TY! Ts comfortable w/ teaching reading. I shared that writing abt reading would further strengthen thinking abt text
A2 I have Ss 90min a day for semester; 2 period has built in 25 min SSR. My goal is more diff. instruction & small group conferring
It's AWESOME. Talk about instant engagement. Also great conversations about entertainment vs reality
If you want them to be readers, you have to give them time to read and books they'll enjoy. No other way. https://t.co/udUQq89SCZ
Allington: “Older struggling readers will never become proficient unless we dramatically increase the volume of rdg.”
A2: I have focused a lot on conversations and collaborative writing this year.
prepare to be addicted! 📖
A2 seeing Ts do lots of work clustering reading, writing, & language skills to emphasize "read like a writer" with craft lessons
Okay. I teach readers and writers workshop mini lessons and structure with as much fidelity as I can muster everyday.
Trying to incorporate more creative writing opportunities wherever I can. Ss love writing and sharing!
Year to year w/ Ss v. selves, tend not to maintain steady growth, esp "top" readers. Think more writing might help?
Welcome to and a great community on Twitter. :)
A2: In writing, I have been trying to help Ss develop their own questions, listen to their own readerly voices, own curiosities.
A2 Unit 1, short stories in class, novel reading as supplement at home. Helped connect themes. Difficult, though.
A2: we read ind novels 15 min each day - no excuses
Funny (in a pleasing way) how they get irritated if any mention of missing a reading day comes up (it doesn't happen)
Tell me more. - no mini-lesson on Fridays, independent reading/ conferring? Love this idea.
Such awesome potential convos about how stories are shaped by narrative structure, decisions...
That's awesome! https://t.co/sVsbVJ8gBw
Funny (in a pleasing way) how they get irritated if any mention of missing a reading day comes up (it doesn't happen)
I’m with you. We all do our best thinking—and sometimes best writing—when we’re chasing our own ideas.
Yup! Plus spin, bias, truth, justice, and adolescent behavior!
Her brilliant book: Read Write Teach will fill you up with ideas.
Jumping in late! Hello ! Brianna here, HS Eng teacher, suburbs of Chicago!
I'm finding the more time we spend with the better inquiry readers and writers we become.
I teach 7/8 English. Homework all year is "only" reading. Must always have book they are reading. All choice.
That's the way I do it. They update their reading progress chart & read. I confer, make book recs... https://t.co/5EZaCz3jDB
Tell me more. - no mini-lesson on Fridays, independent reading/ conferring? Love this idea.
Q3 coming up in a minute.... we will stick with the topic of independent and shared reading...
A2 We read every Friday during a 25 minute activity period, but not class time. The whole school usually does this.
is such a great resource! https://t.co/6Ui43kdCey
I'm finding the more time we spend with the better inquiry readers and writers we become.
And thinking about where you are in the story… the patterns of stories…imitates life.
It's been tough going b/c Ss used to T-created questions. Using Questioning Circles has helped a lot - great scaffold.
Write for readers and read for writers! Use your reading in your writing! Today was data collection and graphs.
We have 1hr for each but trying to break the habit of reading always dominating since it's the tested subject. My Ss need balance!
I committed to at least one book talk a day this year. Little thing that's made a big difference
Lots of conversations abt choices + decision-making. Adnan has a bit in common w/ Romeo....
Sorry just getting in 7th grade reading teacher from Wyoming. Excited to join.
book talks make such a huge difference!
How can it be 7:30 already, ?
Yes! It's gotten to a point where Ss remind me if I forget!
I couldn't agree more! I'm constantly book talking and kids always ask how can u read them all!!
A3: I have three boys who check out 12th grade book talks each day… one read Will in the World this month. Independent. Empowered.
Been thinking a lot about narrative construct lately, esp as it pertains to...
A2 try to do a little of both every day, even if it's not an explicit lesson. Ex: read a mentor text for the writing lsn of the day
yes! We have a huge running list on the wall. Exciting to see titles everywhere
me too! I made a calendar and am sticking to it. Ss are loving it so far! They want more already!
...documentaries about education & ed reform.
A3. This is something I struggle with during conferring. Sometimes I see someone in "the zone" & there's no way I'm stopping them!
I have a modified version of a chart I found in Book Love. Ss figure out page goals and I track each week. Have a digital version.
Kelly Gallagher's Reading Minute may substitute as a daily book talk - and put Ss in the driver's seat.
A3: When they are recommending books to peers, bringing in books/titles to share. Have a strong sense of what texts work for them
Time for dinner, ! Will check in later!
This is our homework too.
A3 in conferences, kids start leading and taking charge instead of sitting back waiting for me to ask a ?
A3: when they're pushing themselves and exploring on their own
A3 great question, challenging question...it takes time & a lot of listening & being aware of what else is on their plate
A3: When Ss start recommending titles to me, I know they are not only becoming ind, but that we are building a rdg community
A3. Continued conferring is important. Clearing up misconceptions, getting to know readers, engaging in book talk. (1/2)
Love the idea of a calendar! I'm doing 4-5 different talks a day since books are taken after one.
Usually they're gaining independence when THEY start asking the probing questions in class discussion. https://t.co/1K3VvZqdzS
Hello ! A3: Ask students about their reading. Talk to them in public about reading as an experience often. Watch them read.
A3 Independent readers have a plan for their next read. Book talks really help with this.
Inspired by Unstoppable Writing Teacher: Great model for problem solving, esp. with writing
A3 I know when they are excited bc they talk about their reading. With anyone.
That is what I do but on a clipboard. 2 hour weekly reading requirement. https://t.co/XswPIdV8CK
I have a modified version of a chart I found in Book Love. Ss figure out page goals and I track each week. Have a digital version.
A3 kids being able to articulate what they like and are looking for in a book! huge change from August
Yes! I find that this is the most difficult part for my 9th graders. They need reminders to look at their TBR list
A3: Conferring and even simple things like the status of the class gives me so much information. Helps me "triage."
I have a harder time with struggling or unmotivated readers. Just keep them book tasting best I can.
Ss will be starting reading ladders at begin of Feb. They assess their reading, rank books, create goals to challenge themselves.
A3: Mine are ready for book clubs starting this week cross-country w/ Sts. Challenging for us teachers, but excited.
A3 Encouraging students to create a reading plan and conferring on how it's going. They have the plan, they drive the bus!
A3. All of these things lead to independence, which is the goal. Well, that & life-long reading. (2/2)
I've also stolen 's quarterly reading reflections from Book Love and they have made a huge difference.
Can you say more about this? It sounds amazing!
A3. Listen to them. Ss will talk excitedly about what they love, then we can make recommendations and step back
A3 been asking small groups to read/preview a book together; some leap on it, others inform me of their book pile aka "back off!"
A3 I also had my Ss rate their books from most to least difficult and why. Very enlightening! another idea.
I have a hard time with reluctant readers. I have book talked so much and still have a few that haven't finished a book yet. Help!
A3) When they are doing more talking about a book than I am. Their ind is the result of blood sweat & tears they maybe never saw.
I love showing my TBR when I visit classes. I also make sure they see me adding their recs to it.
One of mine finished his first book ever over break… came in glowing. Patience. :)
Yes. Ss are building a rdg life when they don't need me; they already have a title "on deck." https://t.co/NJ1YEInmES
A3 Independent readers have a plan for their next read. Book talks really help with this.
I love this-- "book tasting." 😄 https://t.co/Xr9GDSMcpr
I have a harder time with struggling or unmotivated readers. Just keep them book tasting best I can.
A3 I watch their reaction when I pull up to confer. Some don't want to come out of their book or their writing. Brief, pull back.
I'm trying to build literacy rich environments in all our schools. Reading, writing, discourse.
Giving them a chance to find that book they will connect with! https://t.co/zSgcm69zMh
I have a harder time with struggling or unmotivated readers. Just keep them book tasting best I can.
A3. Ss lead reading conferences.
Yes, I love hearing their conversations when they're walking out the door talking books!
I only had 2 out of 38 with no plan during my last round of conferences! Nice! https://t.co/yfGLa9QVN9
A3 Independent readers have a plan for their next read. Book talks really help with this.
I am going to have to look at this again. I loved reading in the book!
Sounds like we have both read and use Book Love in out classrooms! Been very successful this year with it. . https://t.co/EscRlPMz04
Ss will be starting reading ladders at begin of Feb. They assess their reading, rank books, create goals to challenge themselves.
Hey ...off topic..but can we not do this right at bedtime ;)
I like the "status of a class" idea. I think one could also conduct a focus group about their reading practices
They are sharing thinking via email and voice recordings while reading over the next four weeks.
. nice! Anyone in wanna partner up with my 10th graders for book clubs in mid-March?!
Awesome! That is the sign of a reading community!
A3 give them positive feedback on their choices, validate their tastes and interests
Read tweets in crazy voices to them… dodge projectiles.
What a fabulous idea! We are starting book clubs in February but never thought about this idea. https://t.co/Jz0qZa7rcm
They are sharing thinking via email and voice recordings while reading over the next four weeks.
A3: Increase Ss reading independence by creating reading ladders of books of increasing difficulty w/in a genre. Conference often!
what grade? my reluctant readers are loving the Bone graphic novels
Great! I think I need to go through this reminder with my students.
A3 Ss set monthly reading goals (page counts). Self assess to see if they hit goal. Reflect on why/why not.
Why do you think they're reluctant? Is it mostly a lack of interest?
I have them do a rdg memoir early in the year and also draw their "reading trees" very telling. Ss then set own goals.
Try a book club. Responsible to someone else—not you—for reading.
I teach 7th grade reading. I have the whole series and most of the ones I'm thinking don't like it:(
A4: 1) Read A LOT of books. 2) Get to know them as people, so you can better guess what appeals to them. https://t.co/7okSQABiE9
Voxer might work for something like this, too?
They have this in their notebooks and I have it posted outside and inside my classroom! :)
Just started book blog project- Ss pick books, blog about them, seek universal themes to discuss in comments.
Loved seeing triciaebarvia present. When asked how she can read so much she said, "it's my responsibility." https://t.co/ew1rc5M3H0
Do they have any kind of reading plan? Do you have a sense of why they are reluctant?
say they don't like it, constantly switching, dont commit even when I talk a lot to them about what they like etc.
Anyone use Big Idea notebooks? Not too successful with this one yet.
A4 Book trailers have hooked so many kids!
A4: We have to start where Ss are comfy, then push boundary with small connections btwn books/genres to move them to something new.
book club in the class correct where they are deciding what they want to read as a small group?
A4: Booktalks and a rich classroom library. If you build it, they will come. So many Ss use the 5 min before/after class to browse.
Q5 coming up in a minute (man this hour flies by!)
A4 Lots of book talks. Get to know Ss well. Show them resources to find book recs like as well as from peers & fam.
A4 I ask to students pay attention to the background of their writers. Many like the challenge to read diverse writers.
A4. When Ss finish their book clubs next week, I'll be dropping a to-read next pile w each club.
A4: Ss know the books they like better then I do. I let the Ss recommend books to each other. We write & share book reviews.
Book trailers, book talks, read alouds, & book passes work well in my room! Book passes have made my Ss more indepent with choices.
A4. This comes easy when you know your readers. Also easy when the community knows EACH OTHER as readers..
A4: I read so many things I wouldn't usually choose so I can recommend tons of different genres
A4 Don't let them go to library until we've done an autopsy of the abandoned book!
No main thing is they don't want to take time or think they don't like. Just haven't found the good book.
How do you run your book passes?
I know things are working well when I'm learning about books for students.
They just haven't found the right text yet. What about comics/mags? Any luck there? Keep fighting the good fight! 👊🏼
What grade are you Amy? I had success in 5th, but never tried it w/ 6-8.
Nice idea! Deepening the connection to the authors! https://t.co/CcckjliWVO
A4 I ask to students pay attention to the background of their writers. Many like the challenge to read diverse writers.
A4 I share my Shelfari link W/ them, do short book talks and ask students what they're reading and to share.
A4 we have a book wall if a kid reads a book and loves it we print cover & post name. Others pick books from there a lot (me too!)
A4: I have group book speed dating. Kids rotate, book piles stay.
A 3. we're good when I sit by a reader and they talk nonstop about their reading. They are answering my ??? w/o me asking.
A5: Most kids asked for more time to read in class.
My best friend of over 35 years just became a self-proclaimed reader a couple of yrs ago. FINALLY found that text.
A4 We did book talk speed dating with Ts last spring and think it would be a fantastic way for Ss to share.
A5: Students want more time to collaborate in writing—especially on longer projects. They love their writing groups.
A4 I ask kids to give me book recommendations, so they are always on the lookout for new/cool things to share
A4 Ss rec books, I book talk books I've read and always display new books and get many new books for them if I can
Ss each get a book and have 1 min to read dust cover and 1-2 pages. Log "to-read" in Goodreads, then switch
A5: Semester not over (3 weeks to go), but planning to make the adjustments I can.
A4. My kids read what I praise, so I have to be very intentional with book talks. Include areas that aren't my fave.
We have book talks every class for anyone who signs up to do one. Ss get excited hearing about books other Ss have read.
Yes, I suffered through The Maze Runner for this very reason. Wasn't my favorite. https://t.co/PyqfaBk3nG
A4: I read so many things I wouldn't usually choose so I can recommend tons of different genres
What do these autopsies look/sound like? https://t.co/vwj2n8ODRB
A4 Don't let them go to library until we've done an autopsy of the abandoned book!
A5: Ss shared that while they liked flipped/online activities, they didn't compare to face to face conversations and discussions.
A5: I created two charts: I want more of… I want less of… and they filled them with Post-its.
Sorry to hear that. Memoirs were my fav genre to teach. 😔
My Ss are quite dependent on my book suggestions right now. Aiming to create more independent using book passes & peers.
A5. More Flashlight Fridays and some asked for a whole day of reading 😳 More quick writes!
A5: My Ss need more time to talk about their independent reading selections with each other face 2 face.
A5: "I'm remembering why I used to like reading" they need more time and more choice
Curious--what was the text?
What's a flashlight Friday?
A5 "I want more real feedback." And, after digging, they meant I want you to keep talking to me.
THE TROOP by Nick Cutter. Scary, gross, & awesome.
I'm doing this tomorrow! We had a short informal discussion, but this is great! https://t.co/uklUCzWci7
A5: I created two charts: I want more of… I want less of… and they filled them with Post-its.
A5: Mine want more creative writing—which means fiction to them—to photographs. And time to share writing.
A5 Hello all! Late to the convo! My students want more time to discuss grades and more agency. Two of my own objectives.
A5: My Ss need more time to talk and reflect. Need to bring them together more at end of reading time to discuss books.
Q5 Was on mtrnty leave so Ss did all worksheets. Had a parade when I promised them no wkshts this sem! Fdbck so far is all smiles!
Mine are working on formal reflections now, but I know they desire more creative writing + more class discussion. And cupcakes. ;)
I agree, need to be careful my biases or likes don't narrow their choices!
Another beautiful graphic. Do you make these?
Sounds like you have them writing some great stuff. How can you get them to notice more?
A5: TBH, I just got feedback in their final writing journal entry today, and I haven't read it yet. But one said "change nothing."
If so, please teach me how.
my thoughts, interview parents/siblings, show what I remember, give them time 2 think
Thank you! I won't give up. It's only a few and I have many true readers!
A6- Looking forward to their ideas. Hopefully implementing lots of them! I already know I want to try a Socratic Seminar
A5: Ss want more time to confer, esp. with me. Will be doing a lot of my feedback via conferring 2nd semester v. written.
I do seminars w/ seniors but I always had 40ish 9th graders in our humanities block. This year I have only 17-18 so we can do it!
This is a wonderful idea! If only we were aloud to use our cell phones in school... :(
A6:Listen. Stop thinking that I can or need to fix everything. It's their journey. Listening can provide the right answer - theirs
A6. Like just said. I will be patient... Raindrops with my kids that still haven't found that book yet.
A6: Better at assessing small group needs of Ss and moving more toward more workshop-type classes as opposed to whole class work
A6: Have done all workshop to this point. Feel the need to do a whole group, too, during S2. Thoughts?
Q6: slowing down. More time to discuss our ind reading, more time to write together. Need to take a scalpel to my curriculum
Love these too. What do they do? Are they book talks with the QR code?
A6: Listen more, talk less. (A ninth grader suggested it.)
Yes, lol. This is exactly what I found. I need to multiply myself.
A6: More varieties of book discussion. Seminar. Book Talk. Video Book Talk.
We just started Socratic Seminar today and it was fantastic! My 4th graders loved it! https://t.co/dpH4ycs1db
A6- Looking forward to their ideas. Hopefully implementing lots of them! I already know I want to try a Socratic Seminar
My kids love socratic seminars and keep asking for more!
A6 changes should come daily the more i talk w/ students...few changes mean it's my agenda driving the day (not good for learning)
A6: slow down. More time to discuss our ind reading, more time to write together. Need to take a scalpel to the curriculum
Thank you! I have been making these using Canva. Ss also use Canva to make infographics, QR codes, book covers, etc.
it's popular for a reason 😌🤓
A6: Having students do more reflections and implementing some of these other suggestions. I love reading! I want Ss to as well.
We all need that scalpel. The Art of Slow Teaching… a Newkirk idea. https://t.co/KjmLDxGiHX
A6: slow down. More time to discuss our ind reading, more time to write together. Need to take a scalpel to the curriculum
This would be a great idea to tie in hooks (writing models) and to intrigue kids to read the book as well....
, do it. Use it as an anchor text and use some close reading strategies.
A6 I'm going to start handing over the reins to my students. Do you all think that it's okay to wait till now, after a half year
Canva is the best. I'm making the graphics there, too!
CANVA! I just started playing with this last week. Awesome!
A6 Watch my student teacher killin it with tons of fresh ideas! What a revival another expert in the room can spark!
A6: I need to find ways to get Ss more authentic feedback more regularly and more quickly.
