A Reader Asks... What to do Next

An up and coming LYS Teacher asks,

"Hey there, it’s your favorite rookie teacher. I was talking with some of my tenured co-workers and they asked me what I do with my kids who finish their work before the majority of the class. I said that I have them go to the reading corner and quietly read to themselves. Some of the veterns were astonished that I didn't just give the kids more worksheets to keep them busy.

Is that the right thing to do? I just really want to know if I am doing something that is ok?"

SC Response
Beware of the a’ma crabs. Of course they were astonished; you are making them look bad. Keep those kids reading as much as possible. The only thing I would add is just to add some purpose to the reading, I sometimes get suspicious of all the “free reading,” I see at some schools. Have as much, if not more, non-fiction available as fiction. Also include some form of reporting, based on the reading, either verbal or written. Finally, look up the author, Kathy Collins. She is a great resource on reading groups and creating student book clubs.

Keep up the good work and don’t fret about the Negative Nelly’s on your team. Just let your student’s performance do your talking.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...