I teach 6th grade and I have tried everything I know of to engage my students to reading. I cannot seem to find them interested in anything. When I tell them to check out a book at the libary, they think its just to hold on to, they actually asked "do we seriously have to read the WHOLE book." None of their previous teachers have ever enforced it on them, their vocabulary is horrible, they cannot comprehend much. In the past years I always read Tequila Worm, which is a great book and they can relate to. They all cross the bridge daily from Mexico and have background knowledge. However, this group seems different and I am not sure they will care to read it. Any suggestions on a great book 5th-6th grade level that I can have them read?
There is a book about folk tales from Latin america that my students loved. It's called Magic Moments by Olga Loya and includes the famous legend "La llorona", which most of them have already heard from their parents. It includes the Spanish and English version. They may also be interested in reading "Burro Genius" by Victor Villasenor. This book may intimidate them at first because of its size so you could start by reading it aloud to them. This is a book about the author's life as the son of Mexican immigrants. The students may identify with the author's struggles. Esperaza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan is another popular book that students can relate to.
Can you consult your ESL cohort for a book list? Are you fluent in Spanish? Harry potter is in Spanish.
Comic books When I taught language arts to seventh graders, I had the same problem. Kids just didn't want to read those books with no pictures. I tried different level books, but with no success. Then I learned that comic books are written at a 7th grade reading level, so I went down to the comic book shop and bought about 30 of their 10 cent comic books. I brought them in the next day, and the kids spent the rest of the year reading happily. I know some teachers may cringe at the idea of substituting Old Yeller for Spiderman, but it worked. I found that some kids just need to have a taste of reading to find that they really enjoy it. Some students even started reading "real" books by the end of the year. Just an idea, Thanks, Sam
This is a great idea. One time I brought to class Calvin and Hobbes books and the students were fighting over them. Reading aloud to them also gets them hooked on some books.
W are a private school, so our resources are limited. I have checked online, but some of the other teachers have started reading one and she has the others on her list for the year. We are not allowed to read to them or have them speak in Spanish in the class.
I love that book, I have used it the last 4 years. I wanted something different, but I think I will keep it. I really like reading it and the kids love it every year.
I have heard of Esperanza Rising, I am considering it. My problem is that the 7th grade teacher is reading it next semseter and I don't want her to get upset that next year she won't be able to use it in her class. I have never heard of Lupita Manana, thanks I will look into it.
Try to find books that will interest them or that they'll be able to form some sort of connection with. My college professor once told us that students NEEEEEEED to percieve some sort of relation between their lives and the books that they are reading. After explaining this to us, we jumped right into reading The Tequila Worm, so I give you kudos for choosing that book. Try small group discussions about the books they read, and ask them to keep a "Reader Response Journal" as they read along, jotting down notes, comments, or questions that come up as they go through the book. Also, everytime they meet with their discussion group, have each student bring a list with five questions or topics they want to discuss with the group members. If they do not have that list, do not allow them to join the group, this technique is supposed to encourage them to discuss the novels and really go into detail about their reactions and maybe even exchange different views. Divide the book into sections, since The Tequila Worm is rather short, you can split it into two to three sections. Therefore, the students will meet with their discussion groups two to three times, and each section requires the list of discussion items. I tried explaining this as detailed as I could, I hope it makes sense lol. Try books such as The Misfits, Uglies, of The Jumping Tree. Hope this helps you out a bit. Students need to learn to LOVE reading!
Thank you soooo much. You are right, if students don't learn to LOVE reading they won't ever pick up a book.
