McNeil's S & L Response

In light of our class today, I find this blog entry especially easy; we have just finished reading Freak the Mighty, our class read aloud.  I love this novel and have always found it to be a hit with my middle school students. Each day, we sit together on the carpet and I read to them for at least 15 minutes; I honestly think it's the best part of our day.  Kids grab pillows, lean against each other, and breathe deeply, as they settle in to listen to a great story.  


As for the speaking and listening standards, I find that  CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.C, 

"Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion" is very accessible.  In fact, there have been many instances where I have had to ask kids to hold their thoughts during our read aloud time.  They want to share, they want to be heard, and they want to show that they can connect.  Gone are the days of typing up questions for students to answer after reading; I have found that discussions during read alouds are MUCH more effective and meaningful.  

More importantly, holding discussions as a class enables us to build upon each others' comments and reflections.  Our read alouds are similar to the book clubs that I have always enjoyed.  

As for the standards, I feel like my 6th graders have this one "in the bag".