avreading.org

In this month’s AVReading.org, we will read about how to use video clips to build background information before reading. With the use of YouTube, and now Mediathatmatters, we can get away from watching full length films and using a media form that in many ways can be much more precise to what you want to preview and definitely more efficient. Meidathatmatters, as opposed to YouTube, are video clips made by students, but they are class projects on the very same topics that you are studying. YouTube is simply downloaded video of just about everything. Check them out.

YouTube
Mediathatmattersfest.org

If you are looking for a way to hold students more accountable for their independent reading and SSR, here are a few activities that might work for you.

SSR / Independent Reading Checks

Reading Log

Here is the opening statement of our new International Reading Association President. He didn’t exactly go for the “warm and fuzzy” welcome. He brings up some concerns about S.S.R. and why it should not be used. Read it and let me know what you think.

Does He Really Think Kids Shouldn’t Read?

Beth Anderson showed this to me today and it is absolutely fantastic. For years, I have tried to teach critical reading– in other words, how to analyze whether a text is credible or not. But I am awkward and clumsy at it. This instructional website with flash program does it wonderfully in an easy to use layout. check it out.

Hints about Print

I deal a lot with college bound students who are convinced that music and TV help them get through their homework. While I must admit I once believed this too, it just seems counter-intuitive to say that adding stimuli somehow helps the mind to focus. Well, recent research indicates otherwise. Read Multi-Tasking Hinders Learning.