EDTP 540 Teaching Adolescent Readers

I think it is very important to recognize that not all students learn the same way. I liked the different types of responses that he allowed from his students. Not all students were able to respond in the same way. Some of the students needed a more artistic approach to reading. This enabled them to feel comfortable with the assignment and to be engaged with it as well. I learn more and more everyday how important it is that students have a choice in their learning. They need to be engaged in their learning and by allowing them the freedom to have choice in what and how they are learning can only enhance their experiences. I find that I learn more when I am engaged and interested in the subject matter that is being taught.

It took me some time to get into "The Book Theif" however by the middle of the book I was really enjoying what I was reading. I did however find myself having to re think about the holcaust and the history behind it. I definately think that you could enhance a students reading by providing some background knowledge on Germany during this time period. Zusak was great at painting a picture of the main characters. I felt most coneected with the book when the descriptions of the "parades" were given. I could picture these poor people walking through town, skinny due to malnutrition, and dirty from lack of care. I felt for the book theif becuase one of these was her friend. I couldn't imagine having to stand by and watch one of my own friends be mistreated and abused.

Reading Response 2 9/16/08

In Chapter two, one item stood way out for me. Wilhelm found that most of the reading that his students were doing was being done outside of the classroom. The reason being that the students didn't feel that the reading done in the classroom was to be for "fun" it was purely academic, and how could anyone enjoy academic reading. I had this same experience while I was in school. I didn't like to read, and I think it was because I never got to choose what I wanted to read. As I've gotten older, I love to read, and I think it is because I don't have anyone breathing down my neck telling me what to read.

I do also see that we as teachers need to change the attitudes of our students as well. Not only do we have to allow students to have some choice in what they read, but how they view reading as well. Students should be able to select from a variety of teacher preferred readings and complete assignements ina learning style that they prefer. (whether that be drawing, writing, performing)

"You Gotta BE the Book" pages 1-24 Response

One part of the text that I identified with was about interpreting literature. I have had a difficult with my literature courses and it didn't hit me as to why until I read this chapter. I read for the entertainment value. Of course I read to learn as well, however when I'm reading I'm not reading to try to find the underlying meaning in a text. I read for specific information in text books, but when I read a book or a poem, I am reading for pure enjoyment and entertainment. I have a difficult time trying to read between the lines. I sometimes have wondered if I am just incompetent in this area. Maybe I'm not.

I too was curious about the child the author knew outside of school that loved to read. His mother was in shock when she found out that at school he hated reading and was having a difficult time. I have a student that I work with at an after school care program that is an avid reader. When I see him, most of the time he has a book in hand. I have found that when I ask him to read during the designated time for homework and reading, I can't get him too. I feel like since it was my idea for him to read, he's not going to do it. I am baffled by this each and every day that I see him. I think I'm going to try the entry ticket strategy that the author used with his class. I spend a great amount of our 50 minutes of reading and homework allowing students to go and get their books from their classrooms. Why not make it an incentive to remember your book. "I am a reader!" I have also started bringing my own book to model that I too read just to read and not becuase I have to.