This year I have realized that I would like my students to do more reading alongside of their writing. I am not yet sure how I will do this, so I'd be curious to read how others do it. Do you read in ENG 80? What kinds of texts? Is the class organized by theme?
One idea I've had is to use the book True Notebooks as reading material in ENG 80. It is a quick, high interest novel about a writer's year at Juvenile Hall. The novel includes the stories of the teens he meets in Juvie and also includes many samples of their writing. I think I could use the text to point out voice and stylistic devices as well as get students thinking about the decisions we make in life and their consequences. Most importantly, students would hopefully be engaged in a text that features one writer's process, his mental process, and leave students with something a little more meaningful. This novel touched me and I think it would speak to my students as well.
Has anyone else read it?
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I think this is a great idea and I look forward to reading about how it works. I do use Student Voices in English 80 and I've use Models for writers. The idea of short stories that relate to the students is a good one. I especially like the inclusion of the teens' writing.
ReplyDeleteWhat we should do is find a common and secure area to leave books we want to share. I'd love to read this one.