Frustration and Motivation

Chapter 5

I was a little frustrated at how he began the chapter with the Tom Sawyer example, it made something I struggle with seem like it should be so easy. I thought that a good point was made concerning how teachers struggle to get classes to truly discuss content. I had never thought about our “class discussions” as merely drilling students for information. I also like the strategies offered to help students reflect as they read. I think I will try to have students fill out a paper/book mark type thing where they will record questions, take notes of interesting information, etc.

Chapter 6

I didn’t even think that about books having websites…I haven’t been able to find the one for the book I want to use at the end of the year, The Mystery of the Tunguska Fireball. I was also surprised at the things students are reading and that they are maturing so much faster. I had thought that my students were more knowledgeable about things than I was at their age…I thought I was just getting old…maybe kids are just growing up quicker. Tatum made a good point; doing well in students doesn’t motivate many of my students. They aren’t motivated to read just to be better readers.