““Yo Teacher, Can You Keep It Yo Teacher, Can You Keep It Down?Down?

I am Trying to Read, Here.”I am Trying to Read, Here.”

By Adam SarverBy Adam Sarver

EDU 324: Teaching Reading in Middle EDU 324: Teaching Reading in Middle SchoolSchool

February 27, 2011February 27, 2011

Focus StatementFocus Statement

Why are many middle school Why are many middle school students struggling in reading?students struggling in reading?

Why is reading for pleasure Why is reading for pleasure decreasing in the middle school?decreasing in the middle school?

What can we do to motivate and What can we do to motivate and encourage independent reading?encourage independent reading?

Worthy 2002Worthy 2002

When asked what would When asked what would make reading more make reading more appealing, students appealing, students suggested: more choice suggested: more choice selection, more time to selection, more time to read, and more read read, and more read alouds in class.alouds in class.

Reading may become a chore to a Reading may become a chore to a student and they may not do it freely.student and they may not do it freely.

McCray 2001McCray 2001

There are many struggling There are many struggling readers in the middle schoolreaders in the middle school

Students acknowledge their Students acknowledge their “poor” reading ability but want “poor” reading ability but want to improveto improve

Teachers may lack the support, Teachers may lack the support, time, materials, and skills to time, materials, and skills to adequately help those who are adequately help those who are strugglingstruggling

Kasten & Wilfong 2005Kasten & Wilfong 2005

Two goals:Two goals:– Teach students to readTeach students to read– Teach students to Teach students to want want to readto read

Create an adult-like atmosphere: “Book Create an adult-like atmosphere: “Book Bistro”Bistro”

Ivey & Broaddhus 2000Ivey & Broaddhus 2000

Middle school students don’t read for Middle school students don’t read for pleasure, often.pleasure, often.

Middle school students generally prefer Middle school students generally prefer to read the same types of texts.to read the same types of texts.

More Independent reading in the More Independent reading in the classroom and one-on-one conferences.classroom and one-on-one conferences.