A few people in academia disagree that SSR is a good practice in our schools. What might you say to them to give evidence to the contrary?
1. Answer the question above.
2. Give a short summary of what's going on with the main character or theme to the book.
I just finished reading the first 30 pages of The Wild Robot during SSR, and it’s been a nice change from what I usually read. Roz, the robot, gets stranded on this island and has to figure out how to survive while the animals are all freaked out by her. She’s totally clueless about living in the wild, so it’s interesting to see how she’s going to adapt.
ReplyDeleteI’m reading this book to explore upper elementary-level books since I’m more used to read-alouds of picture books. The Wild Robot is a great transition for me because Peter Brown, the author and illustrator, includes illustrations throughout the text, which makes it feel familiar while still being a chapter book. It’s a cool mix!
I don't know this book or author, but I added it to my "To Read" list in Goodreads!
DeleteThis book sounds so cute! Is this book what the new movie is based off?
DeleteI am always telling kids that it is so much better to read a book and use your own imagination then go see the movie. It brings your imagination to life in a way that some kids just do not use or see anymore.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about The Wild Robot! It sounds like such an interesting story, especially seeing a robot trying to survive in the wild. I think it's great that you're exploring upper elementary books—it’s such a different experience from picture books, but the illustrations probably help make it feel more approachable. I like how The Wild Robot seems to combine a lot of cool elements, like survival and adaptation, which could make it really engaging for kids at that level. How do you think the illustrations help with understanding the story or connecting with the characters?
DeleteI love that you are reading the Wild Robot! Our building has a field trip coming up soon where the kids are going to see the Wild Robot at the movie theater. This the reward for the kids because the whole school is reading the book together! I'm glad you are enjoying the transition to upper-elementary books
DeleteMy son, who is in the fourth grade, just finished this book as their classroom read. He said he really enjoyed it. They are actually going to take a field trip to watch the movie next week. He is pretty excited to watch the movie. He was telling me all about it. I can't wait to hear about the movie, too!
DeleteMy book is on "Mind set 5: I am fliexible" right now. The author talks about how it is important to be flexible when teaching your lessons. He talks about how it is important to plan and create lesson plans, but if you do nothing but follow the lesson plans to a T you can miss out on a lot of great learning opportunities. He talks about our students can feel when we are rigid and following something versus when we are open and making true connections with them.
ReplyDeleteI love this because I felt like my first few weeks of school I was so focused on following my lesson plans exactly how I made them. It was not fun and I was beginning to feel like a robot. I have come to realize that you need to be okay with sometimes the lesson not going exactly as planned.
It’s awesome that you’re clicking with the whole flexibility thing! Honestly, that "robotic" feeling is so real when you’re trying to stick to the lesson plan perfectly. I’ve been there too. It’s such a game changer when you realize it’s okay if things don’t go as planned, sometimes the best moments happen when you just roll with it. Have you figured out any tricks to help you stay more flexible, or are you still testing the waters?
DeleteThats my comment above
DeleteI totally relate to what you're saying! I’ve noticed that when I get too focused on sticking to the lesson plan, it can feel really rigid, and I think the students can sense that too. It's great that you're already seeing the value of being flexible. Some of the best learning moments probably happen when you can go off script a little and really connect with the students. It’s definitely a balancing act, but being open to changes in the moment sounds like it can make the classroom feel more dynamic and engaging for everyone. Do you have any specific examples where being more flexible worked out for you in class?
Deletemy comment above
DeleteSSR time is invaluable to the classroom. to suggest that it is a waist of valuable class time is simply not true. if you think outside the box, you can use SSR time and incorporate the stories into your lesson. SSR time builds background by giving students a look into different experiences.
ReplyDeletethe book I am reading today is called "The boys of Winter"(I honestly just randomly pick something off my shelf every time) and the start of the book begins at the funeral of the famous coach or the 1980 US hockey team, Herb Brooks. it talks about his legacy and his trials as a player that shaped him as a coach. despite being ruthless, his team loved him. so much that all of them came to his funeral 23 years after they beat the soviets in the 1980 Olympics.
You're totally right about SSR time being so valuable. It gives students a chance to explore different experiences, and with a little creativity, you can weave what they’re reading into lessons. It’s a nice break from the structure of the day too!
DeleteAlso, The Boys of Winter sounds like an interesting read. Herb Brooks’ legacy sounds pretty inspiring, especially how his toughness as a coach was balanced by the love and respect his team had for him. Picking something random from your shelf each time must keep things fresh too!
1. I would explain to them that sustained silent reading, or SSR, is really beneficial because it promotes autonomous reading, which over time can help kids' vocabulary and understanding. Students who have time to read for enjoyment are more likely to become avid readers, which improves their literacy levels overall. Regular independent reading can improve fluency and cultivate a good attitude toward learning, according to research. Additionally, SSR allows students to freely experiment with various themes and genres, which over time may result in more engaged readers.
ReplyDelete2. Twisted Love by Ana Huang, chapters 16–18, describes how Ava and Alex's relationship grows stronger but also encounters challenges as Alex's troubled background keeps getting in the way. Alex's internal conflict between love and retaliation grows as he grows more protective of Ava. Ava starts to detect anomalies in Alex’s behavior, which increases her questions about his genuine intentions. Their emotional bond deepens, but when secrets from Alex's background start to come to light, their tension intensifies. By the end of chapter 18, Ava is left with a precarious relationship as she is forced to consider the prospect that Alex might not be who she thought he was.
My original post is above
DeletePeople who dont think SSR time is valuable is simply not seeing the big picture. people who think this way honestly believe that every minute should be filled with lessons. SSR time practices the skills needed to be successful in your class.
DeleteI love reading about your book in your blog. I know that I will probably not get time to read it, but I feel like I get enough details just from reading your blogs. Sounds like a great read.
DeleteHello Ashley,
DeleteI love that you mentioned that besides the growth of literacy levels overall, SSR is serves as an opportunity to experiment with different reading generas and spark new interests that might not have come about if they were not encouraged to explore within a safe space like a classroom. Bonus the students can ask as many questions they have while they are reading because they have a teacher there to ask.
Ana Huang sure has a way of keeping things interesting in the compartment of relationships and emotions. I am curious to hear what Ava heard about Alex's background that has shifted her feelings for him.
-Niki Blair
Yes, I agree with you. SSR is a really valuable piece that can be used in all grades at all levels. Getting students exposed to books and texts is so important. Even if they cannot read it, they are using what they know to make new conclusions. It is a really great resource that can be used all across the board.
ReplyDeleteI agree that SSR is a really valuable tool that could be used at any grade level. I know I use it with my first graders. I think it will help set them up next year when they are required to AR read and make a goal quarterly goal.
DeleteThe way that I might provide evidence to someone who is contrary to SSR would be more of a realistic perspective manner rather than an evidence based one. SSR can be disputed or affirmed, that's not the issue that is really being discussed by them disagreeing. The underlying issue seems to be showing students the proper way to do SSR. My way to refute someone against SSR would be the following example: "much like in life, some things require us to silently contemplate the stimulus placed before us. Our content is no different. Allowing the students to interact with the content, sit with what they just read, digest the knowledge, and then be able to articulate those findings is crucial to students development and ability to express themselves."
ReplyDeleteI continued reading Wild Edibles of Missouri this week. After our SSR last week, interestingly enough, I found some chickweed that was already growing in my yard that was in my last post. I have since progressed to yellow flowering edibles. This week I found four interesting species that I might start planting this coming season. I found Spicebush, Wintercress, Prickly Pear (which I didn't think was wild in Missouri, but it could be), and dandelion. Among these plants there are various usages from tea to spice to just as a vegetable. I am interested to see how this will fare in the next growing season.
I am only aware of prickly pear as a fruit. I have had the others, as greens in a salad, or dried into a tea.
DeleteSo now, in my reading, we briefly meet a new character, Lily's roommate, Lucy. So Far, the book doesn't give us much detail about Luck other than that Lily and Lucy are the same age and she loves to hear herself sing. The two things that make them compatible roommates are that Lucy is clean and she's gone a lot.
ReplyDeleteAfter Luck leaves for the night, Lily starts going through some boxes of hers that she picked up from her parent's house when she was home for her father's funeral. In these boxes are diaries that she wrote growing up that she called her Ellen Diaries. She was convinced Ellen DeGeneres would love to read her dairies; of course, she never really sent them to her. I just finished reading her first journal entry, in which she talks about seeing a boy from her school (high school age) sneaking in and out of an abandoned house. She is unsure whether she should say anything to her mother. She writes she will wait a few days to see what happens and then decide from there.
Hello Sarah,
DeleteI meant to reply last week, but apparently I did not press "Publish" before closing the tab for the night. I reread your post and am a little puzzled that Lily admired Ellen DeGeneres. I for one never understood the "hipe" behind her and her show. I would come across clips of her show from time to time and just cringe for the most part. I only found very little things on her show to funny or rememberable. I don't think I would ever want to be associated with her... not even to be in the audience to see my favorite superstar get interviewed by her.
In regards to Lily's first diary entry, I think it is rather considerate of her to "wait and see" what happens to the boy sneaking in and out of the abandon house. I think this because the boy could be living out of there. He could be using it as shelter because he has nowhere else to go. Possibly he is trying to take care of himself and this is the only way he is able to. If Lily has a feeling that she should hold off on reporting to anyone like her mom that a boy is trespassing, then I think she should listen to her gut. However, I don't think she should wait too long. At most I think I would wait a day or two to establish a pattern to see if he is going and leaving the house around the same times.
-Niki Blair
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteI think many might believe that SSR does not serve as many benefits to the education of the student as it is promoted in our texts. However, when we look at SSR on a greater level, looking at the individual traits and pieces of it, you might be surprised of how much we can benefit from it. For starters, carving out SSR time during our already busy day, we can set a time aside that is dedicated to strengthening each student's reading abilities along with their interests. This time is designed to give the class the opportunity to "meet" or not "meet" a quota. Either it be to read a certain amount of pages, chapters, or to comprehend what the plot is and the story's characters. Another benefit we as teachers can gain from having SSR in the classroom, is to regather focus, obtain a stronger sense of patience, and check on individual students or small groups while the rest of the class is "busy" with their noses in their books.
This week during my own SSR time, I continued reading The Avatar the Last Airbender: The Search and have experienced an interesting converstation between the main characters and the spirit; The Mother of All Faces. I refer to this converstation as "interesting" because The Mother of All Faces was being scolded by the young avatar and she became upset and referred to the avatar calling her "childish". Which is hilarous because she is over thousands of years old and is acting a little childish because she will only "tolerate" human interaction only once a season.
-Niki Blair
Correction: the spirit's name is Mother of Faces
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