Why Blog


I’m passionate about finding ways to simplify comprehension instruction and learning. I’m concerned that we are defining comprehension too narrowly as an accumulation of five or six meta-cognitive strategies when cultivating comprehension involves so much more than that. We need to help children acquire accurate fluent reading skills and strategies; build background knowledge; develop their oral language and vocabulary; make reading-writing connections, and acquire a repertoire of meta-cognitive strategies to use as and if needed.


So I invite you to join me in blogging about this ever-so-important topic. I look forward to hearing your ideas, teaching strategies, book recommendations, classroom stories, etc., basically anything that will inspire a healthy conversation among colleagues.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Andy Shane Series for Young Readers

The Andy Shane series by Jennifer Richard Jacobson offers a well-written and humorous collection of short chapter books for young readers not yet ready to handle longer, more sophisticated titles. Each book in the series has four chapters, and its problem is easily recognizable. (It usually has something to do with Andy Shane's very bossy classmate, Dolores Starbuckle). The best part is that there are seven books in the series so once your students get started in this series during guided or independent reading, there are additional titles to be read. In addition, it's one of the few children's books I've come across that portrays an up-to-date picture of what elementary-grade classrooms look like, e.g., the children sit in a circle for a part of the day and are not always at desks, and the teacher is dressed comfortably in slacks and a loose-fitting top. Start collecting this series. It won't disappoint.
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9 comments:

  1. MandyFebruary 1, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    This is a great series. It was a turning point last year for my daughter in first grade. She fell in love with the characters.

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  2. Sharon TaberskiFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    Your daughter's right. Andy and Dolores are quite hilarious. And the stories so well executed, considering how short they are.

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  3. UnknownFebruary 3, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I can't wait to check these out. I am a huge fan of the author's book for writing workshop - "No More 'I'm Done!'" I have a group of kids who will love these books, and their readability is perfect. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  4. Sharon TaberskiFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:24 AM

    I haven't read the Jacobson writing book but have it on my list now. And I believe that these are two different "Jacobsons." (The Andy Shane author is Jennifer Richard Jacobson.) Your kids will LOVE Andy Shane. Keep us posted.

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  5. mary b.February 4, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Thanks for reminding me about this series. I have two titles in the series and a few students who would enjoy them. An introduction might be in order :) I need to investigate the other titles as well! (Sounds like a good series to do a character study with. ????)

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  6. Sharon TaberskiFebruary 4, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    yep, andy and dolores are simply perfect for a character study. just think of all the kids could learn about the characters simply by noting their behaviors, what they say, and how they say it. love them...

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  7. Sharon TaberskiFebruary 5, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Wendi's comment about Jennifer Richards Jacobson being the author of the Andy Shane books and the professional book "No More, I'm Done!" was absolutely correct. They are one and the same. I stand corrected. Thanks.

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  8. UnknownFebruary 5, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Woooooot!!! Scholastic has an Andy Shane trio in their February Lucky flier. I'm gonna pick up a few with my bonus points to do a character study like Mary B suggested. I'm so excited for a new character to get to know.

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  9. Sharon TaberskiFebruary 5, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    That's so cool! I hope folks are reading the comments to see what you've posted. Will you let us know how your character study goes?

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