Outstanding Insights from Outstanding Educators

READ 180 Community Newsletter – Winter 2008

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When we asked the 2008 Outstanding Educator Nominees to share with us their best ideas for getting the most out of READ 180, we had no idea how many great ideas would come our way and how diverse the responses would be. In the last issue of the Community Newsletter we shared some of their tips with you and here we continue with more practical, useful thoughts from your peers!

Create a READ 180 "mailbox." I have a pocket chart "mailbox" that students use to notify me whenever they complete a computer segment.  I then reply in their mailbox with their scores for the segment (from SAM), a proficiency rating, and any personal tips, observations, and encouragements that may apply.  It not only holds them accountable for their progress, but it also keeps me aware of how they're doing. It is a huge deal to them to receive "mail"-many of them hoard those notes like treasure!
- Donna Pappas, Temperance-Kutner Elementary School, Fresno, CA

Publish topic books. I have my students create books about READ 180 topics. For example, while working on the disaster unit, each student researched a different type of disaster, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. Students found pictures online to illustrate what they wrote and then shared their information with the class. We printed everything from our computers and then bound all the books.
- Cheryl Boillat, Silvio O. Conte Middle School, North Adams, MA

Make the most of small-group time. My small-group time gives me an excellent opportunity to address my students' instructional needs individually.  I plan this instructional time based on my students' needs.  I have found great success with my students when consistently including this in my everyday instruction.
- Rhonda Lee, Brawley Middle School, NC

Become a reading role model. Modeling and teaching struggling readers to use different strategies will enable them to comprehend and become engaged learners. Thinking aloud and marking the text using real-world experiences will help students to connect with the literature they are reading.
- Lillian Simpson, Lantana Community Middle School, Lantana, FL

Set individual and group goals.  If it is appropriate for your class to have a book quiz done every two weeks, then post the date and hold students to the commitment.  Remember, though, that each student has unique abilities. Be aware of individual differences.  The point is that all students give their best effort every day. 
-Cliff Hartline, Harrison Middle School, Grand Rapids, MI

Give students opportunities to teach others. Four times during the year, I have my students create a reading lesson for first grade students and present that lesson with a read-aloud book in a first grade classroom in the area. I also allow students to help others who are struggling with a certain lesson or skill during small group lessons. Oftentimes, a student's explanation is better than my own.
- Kathleen Milnamow, Hillhouse High School, New Haven, CT

Follow the vocabulary routine. I think READ 180 has a great vocabulary routine, so follow it strictly and if you teach other, non-READ 180 classes, use it there.  Also, use the last ten minutes of the class for quick vocabulary questions or quizzes on comprehension issues.
- Tom Roddy, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, CA

Go beyond the book. Some of the workshops are so interesting to students that they want to learn more about the topic. I always try to find a movie or current event that is somehow related to the content of the workshop. Field trips are even better; it is one thing to read about a crime lab, but it is quite another to go visit one!
- Samantha Jo Sheridan, Janie E. Dismus Middle School, Englewood, NJ

Point to the bigger picture. Relate what's happening in class to what happens in real life: Setting a goal, working toward that goal, and achieving that goal are a part of everything you do. Also, stress how succeeding in READ 180 will help students to be more successful on state and national tests as well as in achieving their career goals.
- Daphne Noertker, Great Oaks Career Campus, Cincinnati, OH

Teach genres. By knowing the characteristics of different genres, students know what to expect when they begin to read a book.  For example, they will know that if they are reading fantasy things will happen that cannot happen in real life.  Teaching genres helps students in their quest of finding what they really enjoy reading.  I had one fifth grade student who said, "There is a genre for everyone- I am so glad I found mine!"  We are all aware of the impact of high-stakes testing.  Teaching genres can assist in this as well.  Students are better able to answer author's purpose questions, as well as many others.
-Sandra S. Prew, Key Largo School, Key Largo, FL

Push and praise! Push your students a little harder than they are pushing themselves. Constantly give praise and let them know how happy you are with any little thing that pushes them ahead. They love to see the confidence that you have in them.
- Nicole Fiore, Sewanhaka High School, Floral Park, NY   

Expand the library. Reach outside the READ 180 library for high-interest books if necessary. My students went through the books they were interested in very quickly and so I looked to their favorite authors for more. READ 180 can be adapted this way very easily.
- Siobhan Hawkins, Valencia High School, Valencia, CA

Model reading passion. I show students what I am currently reading.  I often read the same books they do so that I can discuss plot, characterization, and opinions about the story and the writing.  We have book talks each week and write down recommendations from each other on our "Cool Books I Want to Read" list.  This "book talk" really drives the independent reading part of READ 180 because students are anxious to read books that have been recommended by a peer.
- Lolene Gifford, Hurricane Intermediate School, Hurricane, UT

Find out what they're thinking.  Along the bottom of my dry erase board, I have pictures of my students posing like they are thinking with the caption, "What do you think about today's lesson?"  Students write their responses in thought bubbles above their pictures.  I use this like an exit slip to hold students accountable for the lesson.  The students really enjoy seeing their pictures and having a space of their own to share what they think and have learned.
- Joanne Carter, Wilsonville Elementary School, Wilsonville, AL

Use QuickWrites and Discussion Questions.  I use these two resources as independent work to ensure students have read the paperbacks before taking the Reading Counts! quizzes on the computer.
-Mary Ellen Gugliotti, Alpha School of Excellence for Young Men, Youngstown, OH

Instill ownership of success. Students learn that they are competing with their past performance first and foremost and then with other students if they so choose. They are taught how to assess their progress and update parents by explaining their progress after each segment using the Grading Report and the Student Diagnostic Report. Consequently, they take control of their learning and each day strive to do better than the day before.
- Doreen Ekokobe-Morfaw, New York City School District 09, Bronx, NY

Invest in books.  I tell students that they really will like reading once they find a book they truly enjoy.  To that end, I am constantly adding books to my class library.  Students know that I add books at least once a month.  I visit bookstores weekly, always on the lookout for the next hot title that will interest my students.  I also have students write Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down reviews that are posted in the room for others to see. 
- Barbara A. Ohnmacht, Osseo Area Learning Center, Brooklyn Park, MN

(Part Two of a Two-Part Series.)

Learn More about this Award

To learn more about how you can nominate a READ 180 Outstanding Educator from your district, visit: www.scholastic.com/read180educator.

 

READ 180 Community Newsletter - Winter 2008
READ 180 Community Newsletter, Winter 2008

READ 180 STRETCH
Challenge READ 180 Stage C students to become critical readers, writers, and thinkers with READ 180 STRETCH collections.