What I have already learned from The Book Whisperer
First, let me say I love this book! I have only read through part of chapter 3, but it has captivated my attention. I have been recommending it to my classes, my colleages, Facebook, basically anyone who would listen!
Here are some quotes and my reactions so far:
Page 3 "The only groups served by current trends to produce endless programs for teaching reading are the publishing and testing companies who make billions of dollars from their programs and tests." I heartily agree with this statement. At the last few technology conferences that I have attended, I have seen both textbook companies and curriculum content companies promise schools and administrators the best test scores ever if they just purchase this book, program, material, software, hardware, etc. Although I am firmly in the "techie" camp, I do believe that the best way to teach reading for most students is to LET THEM READ!
I know this is how I learned things that I was not taught in school. I can still remember reading through the whole biography series in my elementary school library and asking the librarian, "Why aren't there more biographies about girls?" After all, I had read all the boyhood stories of Daniel Boone, James Adams, George Washington, Lewis and Clark, etc. Little did I know that my third grade teacher had run out of things in the classroom for me to read and sent me to the librarian for more books. And, that librarian did a great job of recommending books that I enjoyed and had not explored before.
Page 4 "You see, my students are not just strong, capable readers; they love books and reading."
I love Donalyn's attitude about both her students and reading. First, she tells herself and her reader that she believes in their ability to read. How many middle grade teachers would tell you their students are strong, capable readers? And, more importantly, I think, she has found the way to get them to love books and reading. This is not an easy task in 2010 when media takes up so much of their day, and yet they read--and I mean really read--40 books in one school year. How many adults do you know that have read 40 books in a year? Have you?
Here are some quotes and my reactions so far:
Page 3 "The only groups served by current trends to produce endless programs for teaching reading are the publishing and testing companies who make billions of dollars from their programs and tests." I heartily agree with this statement. At the last few technology conferences that I have attended, I have seen both textbook companies and curriculum content companies promise schools and administrators the best test scores ever if they just purchase this book, program, material, software, hardware, etc. Although I am firmly in the "techie" camp, I do believe that the best way to teach reading for most students is to LET THEM READ!
I know this is how I learned things that I was not taught in school. I can still remember reading through the whole biography series in my elementary school library and asking the librarian, "Why aren't there more biographies about girls?" After all, I had read all the boyhood stories of Daniel Boone, James Adams, George Washington, Lewis and Clark, etc. Little did I know that my third grade teacher had run out of things in the classroom for me to read and sent me to the librarian for more books. And, that librarian did a great job of recommending books that I enjoyed and had not explored before.
Page 4 "You see, my students are not just strong, capable readers; they love books and reading."
I love Donalyn's attitude about both her students and reading. First, she tells herself and her reader that she believes in their ability to read. How many middle grade teachers would tell you their students are strong, capable readers? And, more importantly, I think, she has found the way to get them to love books and reading. This is not an easy task in 2010 when media takes up so much of their day, and yet they read--and I mean really read--40 books in one school year. How many adults do you know that have read 40 books in a year? Have you?
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Tags: books, literacy, thebookwhisperer
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