I teach a middle school reading class. 4th quarter is always difficult so I try to mix it up. In the past I've done lit circles. This year I want to try using stations, where each station focuses on a different skill (like figurative language, making inferences, analyzing tone or theme, etc.) I am planning on grouping kids with similar book genres (I also want to allow them choice of book for this unit...so they are more likely to do the reading). I am struggling with the logistics. I have direction sheets and handouts for each station, but can't decide how best to assess (I don't want to overwhelm myself). Do I use a generic rubric for all (I do have a sample one already), or require so many to be completed by the end of the novel? Also, I don't really want to require all groups to be doing the same "station" at the same time. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
Seems inauthentic to me. By middle school I think kids should be engaged in 'real' reading experiences. Not all books are going to lend themselves to preconceived skills/content. Instead I might suggest students keep reading notebooks, you listen in on accountable talk in book clubs.
