Reading with upper elementary

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Home : 2004 : July : 22

Reading with upper elementary
By Cathy

I've just finished four years teaching 4th and 5th grade all subject areas. I've also taught 7th and 8th grade language arts. My new assignment for next year is Gifted 6th grade Science and Geography.

Reading activities
that I typically integrate are:
1. I choose an advanced book for shared reading. In Florida, we have Sunshine State books (reading level around 5th - 6th grade), but any good author will do. I've just finished reading The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. I will read aloud two or three times a week for about 20 - 30 minutes, then ask higher order questions.
2. I encourage students

to read Accelerated Reading books and use the computer tests for demonstrating understanding and for part of the reading grade.
3. I will often pick three to five novels of different reading levels, based on a theme for the quarter, and assign students in literary groups. From here they can read together or silently and then discuss the book. They can prepare a presentation based on the book.
4. At other times I'll choose three to five novels and allow students to choose their reading group and then choose the book they want to read as a group.
5. I also encourage independent reading goals, followed by quarterly book reports of many different styles. Let the students think of creative ways to present reports.
6. Sometimes I ask students to journal after reading silently in class for 30 - 40 minutes.