Gettin' Fluent

My AE kiddos are working on their reading fluency.  I initially had them participating in repeated partner readings with short, teacher selected texts.  A few of the students began creating beats on their desks as they read and they said it helped them read it faster and smoother.  More kids began to try it and they asked if they could read something different.  I rode with their enthusiasm and gave them a few guidelines they had to follow. 

Students piled through poetry anthologies and other books with poetic rhythm, looking for that magical piece.  Once they found a poem they loved, they read it alone, in pairs and/or with Mrs. Benson so they could get the feedback they needed in order to read the poem fluently and with emphasis in the right places.  Students learned how to read the pauses and listen to the beat or rhythm of the poems.

Once they had it, they went to the website, Incredibox.fr and built their own beat to go with their poem.  Once they were confident they had practiced enough, students performed these "Poetry Raps" in front of the class.  This has been an amazing experience for all of us.  We have really bonded and laughed and grown as readers.  I have one example here and there will be more to come. 

Please leave Mel'Vontae some feedback and/or congratulations (as he volunteered to go first and be videoed) here on the blog. 

Welcome to Middle School

I have enjoyed meeting all of my Quest students.  I believe we are going to have a wonderfully amazing year in 2010-2011.  As you got to know the building and how middle school works, I wonder what was going through your head.  What has been the best thing about Quest?

It takes a risk...

This article on becoming a leader is timely, not only for me, but also for my students. As eighth grade looms for them, so does taking on new leadership roles. Roles they may not expect. My best advice is to look within and believe in what you see there. With the willingness to try comes the greatest learning and reward.

What advice do you have for future (very near future)leaders?

Suburban Journals | Opinion | OPINION SHAPER: Becoming a leader turns fear into quiet confidence

Suburban Journals | Opinion | OPINION SHAPER: Becoming a leader turns fear into quiet confidence

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