Re: independent reading assessment

["Cindy Gates" <cgates@rlstevenson.org>]

Thanks so much to everyone discussing independent reading. Every year, I
struggle with this part of my class. In the past, I've had them write a
bibliography for each book they read and give them a break down for the
number of pages they need to read for a certain grade. It is pretty much
an honor system. They all want to reach the A level, of course. But they
told me last year that it made them hate reading. Actually, these are the
students that like to read anyway. I know it has helped my non readers.
This year, though, I am just going to have them read for time and get a
parent signature on a bookmark. I also am going to do more book talks. I
usually do an occassional book pass, but there is no room for discussion.
I love the SWBS strategy. I use it to teach summary, but never thought of
it for book talks. Though a lurker, I get so much from this list. Thanks
to everyone! 

Here is another question I have had this summer as I went through the
myriad loose papers, articles, ideas that I cut out during the year. How
do you all organize these? I remember we had a discussion a while back
about organizing a strategy notebook. I cut out short text that I want to
use in class and articles from this list, etc. What do you do with these?
Mine usually get filed away and never used. I'd like to have them
accessible. Any ideas?

Cindy


Cindy P. Gates
Stevenson School
P.O.Box AP
Carmel, CA  93921
cindy_gates@rlstevenson.org
831-626-5210 ext. 108