(Yesterday was Labor Day) So we have returned to school on Trailer Tuesday. Therefore, I will show students a book trailer or two depending on length. I select trailers for new release books and great books that students aren't picking up.
There are several sites online for locating book trailers. A quick search on you tube will locate several. Of course, always preview the trailer before showing a class.
Students will complete the attached quiz. Please see the reflection below "Quiz Structure" about the content of my quizzes.
At this time students will have their reading circle meeting. I will instruct students and remind them that they "practiced" this activity when we read Glitches.
I will remind them again about what makes or breaks a good discussion. We reviewed this when students completed their membership grid, and with our Glitches reading circle meeting, but this is middle school folks. They need to hear it again, so to help we'll use the acronym SLANT.
Sit up
Look at the person talking
Act like you care
Nod your head in acknowlegement
Take turns speaking
Next, I will simply remind them that they should have the text, their Reading Circle sheets and open ears. Before turning them lose to discuss, I'll instruct them to start at the top and work their way down.
I will be circulating, listening and facilitating the discussion process.
To wrap up, I will bring the class back together and ask each table to identify one thing that stood out in their conversation...a "big idea". Then, I'll go around again asking each table to tell me one thing that they can improve on for the next meeting. I'll record big ideas and areas for improvement on the SMART board to refer to next time.
Finally, I will ask students to put their Reading Circle sheets in a the caddy to "turn them in".