Wilhelm Chapter 6

Alternate Texts as Literature

I agree that students need to be exposed to multiple genres and types of texts. How is a student to know what they really enjoy unless they have been exposed to comics, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, magazines, etc. Why should we care what they are reading as long as they are reading.

By no means do I think a student should only be reading magazines if this is what they most enjoy. Every student needs to be challenged to dig into literature. But if they are engaged in the reading they are more likely to get something out of it.

We all learn from one another. The multiple experiences available by allowing students choice in their reading will provide meaningful learning experiences.

Reading is Seeing

I really identified with this chapter on a personal level. I currently work with fourth and fifth grade students in an after school care program. I am responsible to plan a curriculum unit weekly with math, science, drama, music, gross motor and art. I also plan cooperative games for them in the gym. However the time I struggle the most with is homework time that consists of written homework and reading. I have a couple of students that I think are out to give me a headache on a daily basis. Most students don't find this time tedious, but some do. I have a few that refuse to read and do homework. I have heard most excuses, my parents want me to do the homework at home, I didn't bring a book (even thought I tell them on a daily basis they must bring a book to class) I don't have any homework (even though I know who their teachers are and I know they give homework. Anything to get out of the homework. Having anywhere from 30-40 kids in the room at a time can be cumbersome since they don't all have a chair to sit in. I try to work with them to find books that they find interesting since there teachers don't give them required texts to read. These students are allowed to read what they wish. I think some of the students are reading books that might be too difficult for them, hence their lack of enjoyment in reading. They struggle with the text therefore they become frustrated and don't want to read. I'd like to build their confidence so that they will enjoy reading and I won't end up with the daily headache.

Looking For Alaska

Just finished reading this book. I must say I LOVED IT! I enjoyed reading about the pranks these students would play. I will say that at the turning point of the story, I was completely shocked and teaken back. I was not expecting that at all. I was kinda mad about it too. I had a hard time finishing the book jst because it made me sad.

Drama in Reading

Personally, this would have ben the way to get me engaged in reading. I love the theatre, and have always enjoyed the drama or the story in a book. I was your typical drama nerd in high school, trying out for the school plays, working on the set, taking drama classes and of course the President of the Drama Club. This would appeal to those students that are more "artsy" and ned to be engaged in their own learning. I think this offers a great option to switch things up and offer a different medium for learning.