Power of Choice and a Community of Readers

7/27/2019

Chapters 9 & 10
Here are a few prompts to consider for these chapters. Please add any additional comments, connections, or reactions you have about this week's content.

Chapter 9: What are your thoughts about the time/space/status lenses suggested by Dr. Ernest Morrell (p. 108)? Do you think this would be a useful tool for self-reflection or collegial discussion?

Chapter 10: After reading this book, share how your beliefs about giving students book access have evolved.

Happy reading and posting!

4 Comments

Carol Shiffrin

7/28/2019 07:18:18 pm

I thought Dr. Morrell's temportal, spatial, and status lenses could be useful in relfecting on the rituals and routines of a language arts classroom, either as an individual teacher or a team.

It might be helpful to start with the positive and share the areas which involve specific rituals and routines already in place in the classroom, such as daily read-alouds, student book talks, and parent/student reading projects.

Perhaps, teachers could identify ONE area needing more attention and brainstorm rituals or routines to address the need. For example, what could we do to demonstrate that we value students' reading lives?

Although some questions may seem beyond the purview of an individual teacher, one teacher can make a difference for students, and who knows, it might start a quiet revolution in school practices.

Meg Norris

8/1/2019 04:07:17 pm

I think Dr. Morrell's tool is a useful for self-reflection and discussions during PLCs. These questions can help teachers to reflect on whether or not they are prioritizing independent reading, promoting choice when selecting books, and providing students with an environment that creates spaces where reading and writing are encouraged. Consequently, they can adjust their practice to ensure that independent reading is a priority for students.

This text has confirmed my own thinking about the importance of independent reading within a classroom's daily schedule. By utilizing book talks, book signs, book clubs, etc., students are more apt to find books that interest them. As a result, students are more likely to continue to read even beyond the school day and become lifelong readers.

Janice Ewing

8/12/2019 12:55:14 pm

I agree with Carol and Meg's views on how Dr. Morrell's lenses can be useful tools for teacher reflection, whether individually or in teams. I think all teachers can benefit from taking a fresh look at the reading culture in their settings.

Overall, I found this book to be a great mix of current research, practical ideas, and inspiration! Any closing comments are welcome, whether you have been participating in the conversation all along or have been reading the book and would like to share your feedback now. Thanks for joining us!

Rita S

8/12/2019 02:05:53 pm

By reflecting on our literacy practices, we improve opportunities for children to see themselves as readers and writers in a community of learners. As a new school year is about to begin, I agree with Carol that by identifying ONE area needing more attention, teachers can maximize time for independent reading and demonstrate the lasting value of a reading life.

Summer BOOK CLUB

Power of Choice and a Community of Readers

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