Materials and Resources

So now you have a little more information about your student. And now... you have to begin selecting books and activities that address needs and engage your student. Look through the materials section on Blackboard. Describe something you find that you think might be helpful to your situation.

Why read?

It is my hope that all children learn to love reading and believe that it is valuable and even necessary in their lives. Sometimes though, and in a climate that is highly pressured for everyone involved in education, I wonder if children know why it is worth the time and effort to read other than to be a good reader. Have they had good reading experiences to make them interested in reading? Do they have choices about what they read? Have they seen good models of reading in their lives? Are there shows on tv or other forms of media that reference back to good books or other written texts?

When I taught first grade in Florida, we had a special time every Friday when we could show an episode of Reading Rainbow? Do any of you remember that show? Did you have a favorite book or a favorite episode? Was there another show or outlet for hearing books read that was meaningful to you such as reading time at the library?

Some research suggests that reading is more meaningful when it isn't just a matter of restating information that you read or answering questions. What does it take to make reading meaningful for you?

Think about what I have posted and also read the article on book choices I have sent you. You will have to join to make a post, and when you do that you will be asked to make a comment about either what I have posted or what you read. I would like you to do this so before class on Monday.