Class Reading Programs
We use the Herman Method, Stevenson Language Arts, and SRA Corrective Reading Programs to help the students in my class learn to read without struggling. These are awesome scientifically researched programs that teach reading with a new approach. They are multisensory, use mnemonic devices, and use repetition. I have used these programs for many years and I am very impressed with them.
Literature
We read many books as a class throughout the year. We plan to read some historical novels this year, including Number the Stars, The Diary of Anne Frank, Behind the Bedroom Wall, and Soldier Boys. Of course we will be finishing up the fantasy series books we read last year with The Battle of the Labyrinth, and Breaking Dawn. We are looking forward to the upcoming movies for Twilight (December 2008) and The Lightning Thief (still in production).
Accelerated Reader
My students are participating in the AR program, along with the other students here in Tioga. It is a great program that tests comprehension. The students receive points and get prizes when they reach their point goal.
Reading Links
S.E. Hinton wrote many great books, including The Outsiders, which the 8th graders read this year. She has an awesome website. It is at www.sehinton.com
Charlotte's Web website - www.walden.com/web/teach/charlotte
This is cool site about the book Holes - http://library.thinkquest.org/J0113061/index.htm
The following sites are for Twilight:
Stephenie Meyer - The Author of Twilight
This is a list of fansites devoted to the Twilight Saga
For sites dedicated to the Percy Jackson series, see The Lightning Theif Page
Reading Games -
pbskids.org/readingrainbow/games.html
www.funbrain.com/brain/ReadingBrain/ReadingBrain.html
http://www.playkidsgames.com/alphabetGames.htm
http://www.typingtest.com/games/default.asp?m=1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/index.shtml