I would really like to thank Laura for all of the hard work she puts into our reading group. I enjoy meeting with everyone and getting great ideas. I think in the future, one of our goals should be to gather touchstone texts and place them somewhere so everyone has access. What do you think?
Lori
First Meeting
I agree. I get a lot of good ideas out of these meetings! I really liked the video selection today, and would like to try the "DVD idea in your mind" idea when I have my classes free-write in science.
Thanks Laura, for facilitating such a worthwhile group! Pat
Ditto
I'd love to hear which touchstone texts you choose. One of my favorites is Courduroy by Don Freeman. It has lots of inner thinking in it and is a simple read. Unfortunately it's also a little young. I also like Vera B. Williams A Chair for My Mother. It's a little more challenging and not nearly as accessible, but better for more sophisticated writers. I'm a big Kevin Henkes fan too, so for first or second grade (even K) I like to use Little Box of Treats stories: Lilly's Chocolate Heart, etc. Later in the year, Kevin Henkes's other books are great touchstone texts: Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, etc. Though it always depends on the level of the kids.
I know at the Summer Writing Institute I went to this summer, we discussed the value of each grade level choosing different touchstone texts so that the kids don't tire of hearing the same text again and again, first in first grade, then again in second grade, etc.
I work with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders this year, by the way.
Curious
Hi there,
I'm curious about your reading group. Are you all in a similar geographic location? You mention future goals, and I'm curious about what some of your current goals are. Care to elaborate more for those of us who might not know?
Thanks in advance,
Robert