Summer Read: Me Talk Pretty One Day

I realize this book has been out for many years, and I'm embarrassed to admit that I just read it. That said, I should have read it years ago, because it is one of the funniest books ever written. That is a high compliment coming from me, since I rarely read books in the "Humor and Entertainment" category. (Or else it's not a compliment, since I rarely read books in the "Humor and Entertainment" category.)

I was hooked from the beginning, when Sedaris details his childhood experience with speech therapy and the elaborate lengths he went to while avoiding the letter s... including anything in the plural form, or reading about the adventures of seals or settlers named Sassy or Samuel.

Actually, my real motivation for reading Me Talk Pretty One Day is because I knew Sedaris had written about his move to France, and I wanted to hear those stories most. Even if you've never lived as an expat, I think you will find this section of the book hilarious. As someone who has experienced the pains of living abroad and learning a second language, I was laughing out loud continuously for several chapters. (Don't you love to laugh out loud while reading?!) I also love that Sedaris moves to France and chooses to learn the least helpful words and phrases possible, simply because he likes the sound of them. I completely empathize with sounding like an angry child due to lack of vocabulary, and admire the way he persisted despite his French teacher making fun of him at every opportunity. I think I would've just given up, gone to the café, and eaten a dozen pastries.

If you haven't read this book yet, you should do so immediately!

Rethinking Reading Logs

 

This year I taught all four classes of second grade English at my school. I saw each group of students for a half day of reading and a half day of writing every week. One of the things that really struck me was the EXTREME difficulty of implementing a (consistent) system of reading accountability for my students... especially for at-home reading. I've always used reading logs in previous years (sometimes as simple logs, other times as reading response sheets), but this year had me pulling out my hair. 

Initial Goal(s) for Reading Logs
My inability to discuss home reading with students' until the following week made reading logs essential to help keep track of the kinds of books they were reading and how long they were reading each night. I wanted students to understand that reading volume is so crucial to becoming better readers, while also helping them see patterns in their reading habits (genres they tend to read, which nights they're able to read for longer periods of time, etc.). I also wanted the reading log to serve as a reminder for one of the most important things they could do to become better students: Read at home as often as possible!

The Problem with Reading Logs
The main problem with reading logs stemmed from the infrequency of my classes. Seeing students only once each week for Reading made follow-up and feedback very difficult. Seven days would pass between one lesson and the next. Seven days is a LOT of time to a seven-year-old! Building and maintaining a consistent routine took about three months for some students, and other students never latched onto the reading log as a helpful tool. And although I communicated with parents, I received a lot of, "Yes, we're reading at home, but we just don't have time to fill out the reading log." Even though I was asking students to write only the title of the book and pages or minutes read, I kept getting excuse after excuse about how they didn't have time to fill out the log. "But I'm reading!" so many of them would say to me. They didn't see the reading log as helpful or necessary, and it didn't add to their love of reading in any way.

My Revised Plan and Goal
Needless to say, reading logs were not working for my kiddos. I was spending too much time checking them and practically begging students to fill them out, while wasting valuable time that could've been spent teaching, reading, or doing anything else to nurture a classroom full of readers.

Near the end of the year, instead of checking reading logs, we began to do Book Talks each week. The whole point of the reading log had been to encourage reading and help students develop some awareness about what they were reading and enjoying. Since that hadn't worked for most students, I thought Book Talks during our morning meeting might be an alternative. I chose three students at the beginning of the week to share their thoughts about their reading during our following class together. I posted a few ideas for things they might talk about, and we discussed as a class the importance of hearing from each other for book recommendations and inspiration. After all, it's one of the things I value as a grownup reader! Even though I started this near the end of the year, students became hooked. They loved Book Talks and even my reluctant readers begged to have a chance at one. 

Instead of reading logs next year, I think I'll start with Book Talks instead. Whether you see students every day or even just once per week, I think it's an important consideration. What's the ultimate goal of reading logs? Are you achieving that goal?

Currently... June!

It's finally June!!! This is the BEST month to link up for Currently with Oh' Boy Fourth Grade!

Listening

I recently discovered the series Damages. I really like it... except for one thing: The constant shifts in time. There are at least 5 flashbacks per episode, shifting the viewer from what we know, to "pretend you don't already know that" frame of mind. It can be kind of annoying. Otherwise, the acting is great and the story lines leave you in suspense wondering how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. 

Loving

I've been getting back into a routine of spinning and TRX this past month, and it feels really good. I took a very long break after the holidays. I don't know what it was... maybe the lack of daylight hours or the general blah feeling that accompanies me through January and February. I slowly started to get back into my fitness routine in March, but finally started going at least 3 times per week this past month. I have so much more energy these days. 

Thinking 

I am SO ready to get this summer started! I'll be traveling for six weeks, mostly visiting my former home, Madrid! I have really missed it this year. It's my first year back in the US after living abroad for many years, and I am really looking forward to being back in Europe. I'll be sure to post pics throughout the summer, so be sure to follow me on bloglovin, instagram and facebook to see some amazing views and get updates from across the pond. 

Wanting

Now that testing is over and I've finished writing (73!) report card comments, I really want to enjoy the last 7.5 days with my students. I have some fun things planned, and I'm looking forward to keeping things light! Click on the product pics below to see what we'll be having fun with during these last couple of weeks! :)

Needing

The day after school is out, I'm flying off to start my summer vacation by visiting my family and friends in Atlanta. I haven't seen my sister for over a year!

Summer Lovin
As I mentioned, I can't wait to catch up with the family! Also, spending a week in Crete, a week in Cyprus, and 4 weeks traveling around Spain is certainly making it difficult to get through these last 2 weeks of school! I can't wait can't wait can't wait!!! And to top it all off, I'll be spending a few days at the Reading Institute at Teachers College in August, right before school starts. I feel very lucky indeed.
What are your summer plans?

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