Comments on: Teaching Plans for Novels and Books http://www.gladlywoulditeach.com/2009/12/03/teaching-plans-for-novels-and-books/ I learned how to become a better teacher by watching, listening, and questioning other teachers for over thirty years. Now that I am retired, it's my turn to pass on my strategies, philosophies, successes, and failures to others who may learn from my experiences. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:13:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Edie Parrott http://www.gladlywoulditeach.com/2009/12/03/teaching-plans-for-novels-and-books/comment-page-1/#comment-582 Edie Parrott Sat, 25 Sep 2010 12:49:48 +0000 http://www.gladlywoulditeach.com/?p=348#comment-582 Sorry, Jeremy! Since I am retired, I don't check comments on this site as often as I probably should. I know the stress of dealing with kids who do not read required assignments and that's why I'm a firm believer in giving quizzes over reading material. I would prefer not to do so, but too many kids will not read unless they are held accountable. I usually could still generate a love for reading because of good classroom discussions on the material. Once kids become enthralled with characters, plot, and discussions, they feel left out if they don't read. Although I think some in-class reading is important, particularly with drama and epic poetry, I rarely read novels in class except with struggling readers. It takes way too much time away from other class activities that I believe teachers need to do with students. That's just my idea. You'll have to find what works for you. I hope you have a great year! Sorry, Jeremy! Since I am retired, I don’t check comments on this site as often as I probably should. I know the stress of dealing with kids who do not read required assignments and that’s why I’m a firm believer in giving quizzes over reading material. I would prefer not to do so, but too many kids will not read unless they are held accountable. I usually could still generate a love for reading because of good classroom discussions on the material. Once kids become enthralled with characters, plot, and discussions, they feel left out if they don’t read. Although I think some in-class reading is important, particularly with drama and epic poetry, I rarely read novels in class except with struggling readers. It takes way too much time away from other class activities that I believe teachers need to do with students. That’s just my idea. You’ll have to find what works for you. I hope you have a great year!

]]> By: jeremy.d.gentry http://www.gladlywoulditeach.com/2009/12/03/teaching-plans-for-novels-and-books/comment-page-1/#comment-580 jeremy.d.gentry Sat, 14 Aug 2010 01:35:01 +0000 http://www.gladlywoulditeach.com/?p=348#comment-580 This is my second year, so I am full of questions! I am up to my neck in possibilities and trying to determine a plan that accomplishes the following: creating a love for reading, enabling kids to write well, and developing kids who think for themselves--a tall order, but an exciting one! Last year I found a HUGE problem with kids not doing their reading outside of class (as well as assigned work). This year I plan to read the majority of the works in class (partly also because I want to read more difficult works). I am planning to assign out of class reads as well, but these will be less demanding. I realize I will accomplish less in quantity, but I am hoping a slower but more in-depth pace will accomplish more in quality. Any thoughts? This is my second year, so I am full of questions! I am up to my neck in possibilities and trying to determine a plan that accomplishes the following: creating a love for reading, enabling kids to write well, and developing kids who think for themselves–a tall order, but an exciting one!

Last year I found a HUGE problem with kids not doing their reading outside of class (as well as assigned work). This year I plan to read the majority of the works in class (partly also because I want to read more difficult works). I am planning to assign out of class reads as well, but these will be less demanding.

I realize I will accomplish less in quantity, but I am hoping a slower but more in-depth pace will accomplish more in quality.

Any thoughts?

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