From: Ginny Kruse <gmkruse>
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 16:57:00 -600

My, what a terrible situation for the students. Thanks for coming to the CCBC-NET community for suggestions, Ruth. Everyone: please respond directly to Ruth Heespelink with your suggestions for the teacher who contacted her. ...Ginny

I have had a teacher come back to visit with a very specific request. His eight students with a variety of social and emotional problems were pulled out of all their mainstream electives after a major fight which broke out in school and moved to the park. Police arrested many and outcome is that these 8 boys now have no gym, art or other electives but remain in the same classroom until further notice. This teacher wants to know what good easy books will get his students interested in more reading. Their reading level is 2nd thru 6th grade.

I'e suggested Walter Dean Meyers, Gary Soto, the Moves make the Man, Chris Lynch, Ironman, etc. But he wants to know exactly what book and exactly what to do. Are there teacher guides which are any good offered by any publishers?

I've also suggested that he do a lot of reading aloud, especially at and offered to find a couple of articles documenting the value of that activity. Any suggestions? These are not second language learners but young men who have been failed over and over along the way. And are smart but stuck. I'm interested in the picture books for older reader idea but I'm not sure that is the best way to start. All help will be appreciated!

Ruth Heespelink Curr and Chrs Lit Libr. Wheelock College, Boston, Ma.
Received on Tue 17 Dec 1996 04:57:00 PM CST