The first 20 days By Jennie

Thus far, we have talked about how we choose books, why we abandon, how we know a book is right for us, "reading is thinking"--focusing on how we can relate it to our own lives, how to buzz, and guidelines for the reading workshop. The buzz did not go well at all. They really seem to have a hard time thinking above basic comprehension. I'm really frustrated because I don't know how to get them there or where to start. I really love this idea, and I think it could take them so far, but I am stuck on what to do. Any suggestions?

What I tried, was buzzing as a group with me leading it and modeling. I hoped that would give them the idea, but it didn't help.

With the reading journals, I decided that it probably wouldn't be very productive doing it the way the book suggested, so I made my own thing. They are starting with a retell, focusing on characters, setting, problem, details in order, and solution. I am also having them give an opinion of the book and something the book made them think of. Even this is like pulling teeth. Do you think it is too much? Should I scale it down. My reasoning is becuase they have a hard time identifying even the basics. I figured we could start here, and slowly ease into the other.

I'm sorry that I'm rambling, but I really want to take these kids places this year. My goal is to pass my love of school and especially reading on to them. Any suggestions, ideas, anything, would help me a ton.