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.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Don't Forget Our Lists

Just a reminder that we have several lists going in the right-hand column. They've been lying dormant lately and I'd like us to start thinking about books we might add. Here are the categories: Books That Give Kids Something to Think About, Short and Sweet Chapter Books, Picture Books to Help Kids Infer, and Books to Help Kids Visualize. Please send me your suggestions.

5 comments:

  1. I've recently discovered the ZAPATO POWER series by Jacqueline Jules. A little boy, living with a single mom, who has magic shoes. Perfect for kids just starting to read chapter books.

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  2. I think pretty much anything by Eve Bunting gives lots to talk about, Fly Away Home is a great example. By the way, I bought and read aloud Not My Dog and also Andy Shane from the Short and Sweet Chapter books list. Both were big hits and we had some good conversations about character going. Thank you!

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  3. i totally agree about the eve bunting books. her works elicit so many emotions. glad your kids enjoyed "not my dog" and the "andy shane" books.

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  4. just looked up "zapato power" on amazon. looks like fun!

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