What in the world???

[KentuckyDoulaMama]

I have kids ages 9-18.

This year my 10th & 11th grade dd's told me about a new program at their school.
It was explained that the school districts literacy skills rate was not up to par, so the powers that be came up with a gooooood idea to fix all that.


Once a day or once every two days, depending on where the teachers can fit it in, the teachers read to the class. They read them picture books. My girls are in mostly AP and excelerated classes. Ages almost 15 & 16. : Picture books!


They read the classes picture books for Kindergarten and 1st grade age level.

Ummm.....am I the only one that thinks this is a bit strange? I'm trying to figure out just how in the world this grand idea is going to improve/fix the districts literacy rates/skills?

[lisac77]

Originally Posted by KentuckyDoulaMama

I have kids ages 9-18.

This year my 10th & 11th grade dd's told me about a new program at their school.
It was explained that the school districts literacy skills rate was not up to par, so the powers that be came up with a gooooood idea to fix all that.


Once a day or once every two days, depending on where the teachers can fit it in, the teachers read to the class. They read them picture books. My girls are in mostly AP and excelerated classes. Ages almost 15 & 16. : Picture books!


They read the classes picture books for Kindergarten and 1st grade age level.

Ummm.....am I the only one that thinks this is a bit strange? I'm trying to figure out just how in the world this grand idea is going to improve/fix the districts literacy rates/skills?

My mom's an English teacher, and she tells me that the reason they do this is to illustrate basic plot concepts or themes in a simple manner. Then they apply them to the more advanced works. She is concentrating on "voice" right now with her students and asked me if I knew any books that involved extended conversations (either spoken or in writing) in them.

[orca]

I don’t know what their true motivation is, but if I had to wager a guess I would say that they are choosing books with an underlying message in them that, while simplistic on the surface, may have complex issues that could be discussed? There are many, many picture books that would fit this description. The Three Questions is the first to come to mind.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/043...lance&n=283155

The stories would be short enough to keep everyone’s attention and might just create an environment that mimics the “warm & fuzzy feelings” of having a story read aloud which could then lead to an increased willingness to contribute to the discussion?

So long as the teachers were on board with this and were reading with a pleasant pitch and intonation then I don't see why it might not be a welcomed break in the day for the students.

I’m sure there are many studies out there that support reading aloud into adolescence and the positive effects on literacy. I have not read any lately, but I’m sure they would be easy to find...

[BlueIrises]

Originally Posted by KentuckyDoulaMama

I have kids ages 9-18.

This year my 10th & 11th grade dd's told me about a new program at their school.
It was explained that the school districts literacy skills rate was not up to par, so the powers that be came up with a gooooood idea to fix all that.


Once a day or once every two days, depending on where the teachers can fit it in, the teachers read to the class. They read them picture books. My girls are in mostly AP and excelerated classes. Ages almost 15 & 16. : Picture books!


They read the classes picture books for Kindergarten and 1st grade age level.

Ummm.....am I the only one that thinks this is a bit strange? I'm trying to figure out just how in the world this grand idea is going to improve/fix the districts literacy rates/skills?

I am a teacher and picture books are not just for Pre-K-1st grades. You may only be familiar with the ones shown in Barnes and Noble that talk about potty training and loving grandparents, but their is a wealth of books out there that address age appropriate topics, and very adult topics. There is alot of figurative language, symbolism, poignant stories and curriculum-related subjects discussed in picture books. More and more authors are reaching out to older children through this medium b/c it is something they can read in one sitting, unlike a chapter book. Additionally, it allows you to reread the book several times in a week and each time explore somthing new about the text. Don't be fooled by stories that may feature animals instead of people...picture books are very powerful!

I too used to think that picture books were just for little children because I was only familiar with Rainbow Fish and Brown Bear, Brown Bear...but there is a lot more out there...many you won't find just sitting around at Barnes and Noble.

You should go in to the school and check some out and see how it is being used to teach your child, so you can be reassured they are not wasting your child's time. Don't just take the book at face value, talk with the teacher and see how will address the standards.

For example, I teach fourth grade and the book, Feathers and Fools by Mem Fox was introduced to me at a workshop last year. I used in my class and my students are able to grasp the idea of two groups fighting over their differences...very age appropriate responses. My girlfriend uses it in her 10th grade SS class to discuss the politics of war and even ties it into what is going on today in the mideast. The book is an anti-war allegory. It is about human aggression and nuclear holocaust. What 6 year old will get that...my ten year olds don't know that stuff yet, but a 15 year old can bring those pieces together.

I hope this helps you out some.

[KentuckyDoulaMama]

I only have a minute.....

I fully support any type of quality literacy program, I'm a book addict myself and would love to own my own library.

I just find it to swallow that "I am Special" "The Napping House" "Noisy Nora" and "The Very Hungry Catapiller" are books that are going to be of much benefit for high school kids.....but what do I know? :
BTW, no discussion of the books follow.

I just think its odd.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond though, its all very interesting.

[BlueIrises]

As I stated in my previous post, those are not the types of books that are chosen for upper grade levels...let's try to us teachers a little more credit than that...

[KentuckyDoulaMama]

Originally Posted by BlueIrises

As I stated in my previous post, those are not the types of books that are chosen for upper grade levels...let's try to us teachers a little more credit than that...

No, I wasn't naming random books. Those ARE the books that have been read to them thus far.....

[BlueIrises]

That is ridiculous and I would go into the school immediately and discuss this with them...you are right those books are not appropriate. Maybe the school implemented a program before funding/researching age appropriate books...That really is appalling!

[kwilki8]

I'm a high school English teacher and occasionally use picture books in the way others have described here. However, this

no discussion of the books follow.

and this

Once a day or once every two days,

are major problems. I can't think of any educationally sound reason to read these books with that frequency and without any discussion (and therefore any clear educational purpose).

I'd be talking to the teachers and asking them exactly what the rationale is for this and how they expect it to help your daughters.

[rabrog]

Here's a question: what happened to the idea of personal responsibility? If a kid scores low on the testing for reading or reading comprehension, those kids need the extra help. We shouldn't force AP kids or kids who have mastered the skills to sit through this - it does nothing to challenge them in that area.

Jenn

[mommy68]

Originally Posted by BlueIrises

You should go in to the school and check some out and see how it is being used to teach your child, so you can be reassured they are not wasting your child's time. Don't just take the book at face value, talk with the teacher and see how will address the standards.

This is what I was going to suggest. : Maybe if you see it for yourself then you will realize what they are truly doing. I'm a mom and I know that sometimes my children do not relay info to me the same as what I could see for myself. They can make something out to be much worse than it is. Plus, it's just a book. It doesn't take that long for a book to be read aloud like that. It's not like it's taking up their whole day.

[melissa17s]

Visual literacy is just as important as being able to read and more universal than written languages. Many themes can transcend "childhood" content. Maybe you should ask the teachers why it is part of their curriculum instead of assuming it is inappropriate for your child's grade level.

[KentuckyDoulaMama]

Originally Posted by melissa17s

Visual literacy is just as important as being able to read and more universal than written languages. Many themes can transcend "childhood" content. Maybe you should ask the teachers why it is part of their curriculum instead of assuming it is inappropriate for your child's grade level.

I am going to ask as soon as life here calms down enough.
I'm thinking all of reasons mentioned could be accomplished just as well with books that were more on grade level.
I could even rationalize this better if just *some* of the books were of these
pre-k, K levels - but all of them?
These are advanced high school kids, ya know?

[Ellien C]

See, I KNEW all the comic books I read in HS were a good idea!