Re: emails

[GJSA24@aol.com]

I am seeing the emails, but I am supposing the list was very quiet before  
and during the holidays.  I'm glad to see conversation resuming.  
Regarding the postings on group behavior: This year's group of 7th  graders 
is terrific; they are basically kind to each other,  willing  to tolerate each 
other's weirdnesses (and mine), and willing to discuss, debate,  share. 
Sometimes ya just get lucky. I think a heartfelt "Thank you" to  their parents and 
teachers from earlier years just about daily!  I do use  the E word -- 
etiquette, manners -- with them, and slide in little lessons on  phone etiquette, 
introductions, and all the E stuff regulary. They are  interested, amused, 
sometimes dumbfounded at what is considered mannerly, and at  least hear it, if not 
act upon it consistently. It's a fun  year.  
Do others of you do a more regular "etiquette" or "manners" thing with your  
students? 
 
I wish I could comment on the Newberry books.  I am so behind on  reading the 
YA lit this year. I do notice that this year's batch of kids is  doing a lot 
of fantasy reading -- series books -- again, and another strand of  kids is 
reading the scary mystery YA books, and a third and much more  specific group is 
devouring all the manga stuff they can get their hands  on.  I seem to have 
fewer reading the more realisic fiction dealing with  wounded souls this year.  
It's not scientific, but it is interesting to see  the favored book 
selections change each year.  As always, Pilot Down,  Presumed Dead remains my go-to 
book for extremely reluctant boy  readers.  It's about failproof.
Gwen Aber, Huron, Ohio



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