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From: Ross and Ellen Smith <rsmith1541>
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 18:55:46 -0400
I have enjoyed reading the postings on the topic wondering if titles I had used were listed.
I need to provide background information. I taught secondary school for ten years in New Zealand before marrying a teacher and coming to Canada. I was lucky enough, for a while, to continue geography teaching at a senior public school. Then the bubble burst. The school board eliminated senior public schools, partly to reduce costs as we enjoyed a prep a day, unlike our elementary collegues whom we now joined. I became a home room teacher after 16 years of teaching. My wife's philosophy was every teacher is a Reading Teacher. The challenge was on for me!
I used to provide books for the children to read but did not always hit a winner. The local chapter of the International Reading Association invited Jim Trelease to speak in nearby St Catharines, to a full house I might add. There was no looking back. I eagerly sought his recommended titles. I read aloud to the students at every opportunity. Part of my 'adjustment' to elementary school teaching was providing coverage for the Grade 1 teacher. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was a book I read to the youngsters and next to my grade seven home room. Often titles that I read to Mrs Gender's students I would then read to mine. I reasoned that at the grade 7 or 8 level they might see other sides to a book that they did not see when they were younger. Cecila's Lottridges' Name of the Tree was another that both classes enjoyed.
How I Hunted the Little Fellows was a title that allowed a lot of follow up discussion. Books by Van Allsburg were also well received, especially The Stranger and the Widow's Broom. I almost forgot, The Sweetest Fig. My classes always enjoyed The Half-A-Moon Inn and Avi's Wolf Rider. Steig's The Real Thief was a short read that also asked some good questions. Holes by Louis Sachar quickly became the all time favourite though.
Ross Smith Niagara Falls Ontario
Received on Tue 10 Aug 2004 05:55:46 PM CDT
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 18:55:46 -0400
I have enjoyed reading the postings on the topic wondering if titles I had used were listed.
I need to provide background information. I taught secondary school for ten years in New Zealand before marrying a teacher and coming to Canada. I was lucky enough, for a while, to continue geography teaching at a senior public school. Then the bubble burst. The school board eliminated senior public schools, partly to reduce costs as we enjoyed a prep a day, unlike our elementary collegues whom we now joined. I became a home room teacher after 16 years of teaching. My wife's philosophy was every teacher is a Reading Teacher. The challenge was on for me!
I used to provide books for the children to read but did not always hit a winner. The local chapter of the International Reading Association invited Jim Trelease to speak in nearby St Catharines, to a full house I might add. There was no looking back. I eagerly sought his recommended titles. I read aloud to the students at every opportunity. Part of my 'adjustment' to elementary school teaching was providing coverage for the Grade 1 teacher. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was a book I read to the youngsters and next to my grade seven home room. Often titles that I read to Mrs Gender's students I would then read to mine. I reasoned that at the grade 7 or 8 level they might see other sides to a book that they did not see when they were younger. Cecila's Lottridges' Name of the Tree was another that both classes enjoyed.
How I Hunted the Little Fellows was a title that allowed a lot of follow up discussion. Books by Van Allsburg were also well received, especially The Stranger and the Widow's Broom. I almost forgot, The Sweetest Fig. My classes always enjoyed The Half-A-Moon Inn and Avi's Wolf Rider. Steig's The Real Thief was a short read that also asked some good questions. Holes by Louis Sachar quickly became the all time favourite though.
Ross Smith Niagara Falls Ontario
Received on Tue 10 Aug 2004 05:55:46 PM CDT
