Some Common Themes in Our Reading

Funny how the "rigor, inquiry, and intimacy" keeps popping up from one book to the next. I think most teachers get the rigor part, but the inquiring and intimacy are the components that may be missing in many classrooms. Not ours!--but I think many teachers do not see the the need for students to challenge the text and ask questions or to build a climate that is conducive to feeling safe and intimate. I also like the notion of building around a four to six week plan. This allows for connecting many different texts to a common theme or purpose for reading, and that helps students make more connections and, hopefully, see the big picture. Sometimes, it is all a bit idealistic, and things will not work out as planned everyday, but as long as we are trying to achieve these lofty ideals, we are headed in the right direction. (I hope I am posting to your blog in the right place. If not, I apologize. Jean)