This makes all the bad stuff of teaching seem so little...
Hi this is A*** ******* from last year and its kind of weird emailing my old teacher. I have a problem with finding a good book to read. Most of the time last year you knew what i liked to read and i was wondering if you found any more good books like the Watsons go to Birmingham and Harris and me. My teacher this year is new to our school and isn't my favorite because she doesn't give good book ideas like you did. I enjoyed all of the books you suggested and was hopping you could help. Also did you know Christopher Paul Curtis had a new book. I have read it and it is my favorite book.
6 comments:
That's wonderful, Megan. It's great when students take the time to say such nice things to a teacher who so deserves it.
This is wonderful and sad all at once. I mean I have such a hard time when I send kids on to teachers who don't know anything about books and/or how to recommend them! I heard Dr. Samuel Betanzes this summer and he said we should all read at least 100 books at our grade level and then read 100 above and 100 below so that we can make book recs. It's SO important as your student points out here.
Susan
Oh yeah, I totally agree, Susan. And, I try very hard not to be that teacher. The one who has no suggestions or can't talk with a student about a book. I am not very good at reading below, I am trying to get better at that. I feel like I did okay with the reading on level and above level. Goals...
THANK YOU, BARBARA! Always great to get a boost from a friend.
I never thought about book recommendations being such an important part of teaching kids how to read until this year. I have 3rd grade students really hooked on a topic or series(dragons, animals, Magic Tree House) and they find it difficult to veer away from them. Not necessarily bad, but there is so much they could be trying. I'm realizing maybe I haven't booktalked enough good stuff or maybe I'm booktalking the same ol' things. Susan (comment above), thanks for the goal- 100 books each at, below, and above grade level. I can see the value.
Teachers have the power to make such an incredible difference in a child's life. Think of how you have opened new worlds to your former student with all your book suggestions. I bet this student will always remember you. So wonderful.
You guys make me feel so loved. <3
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