1. Reading: Adding magazines to the reading curriculum. Adding magazines to the curriculum. Assessment of learning… LYNN COYER

2. The theory of whole language…and the magazine project... 4 TEACHING #1 The Whole Language Classroom: 4 Students do not learn the rudimentary basics of language by following the systematic approach of phonics instruction in the classroom. Students learn by using language in authentic setting with an emphasis on the exploratory nature of language. It is based in science that there is a psycholinguistic structure to language that is directly benefited by a whole language approach (Weaver,1995). It is a program that can bring students the essence of learning literacy through practical application. Some basic tenants of whole language instruction are:

3. Whole language continued...

4. What this means for learning... 4 It is an exploratory environment where children learn authentic literacy tasks in an open structure. Motivation is high in a whole language classroom as teachers and students embark on the task of finding what makes reading and language work together. It is a place where children want to learn and learning is meaningful and motivating. The whole language classroom is the place where ALL students learn.

5. Beware of the critics of whole langauge... 4 The House of Representatives considered a resolution (H.CON.RES.214) that would recommend that (1) "phonemic awareness followed by direct systematic phonics instruction should be used in all schools as a first, and essential step in teaching a student to read; and (2) phonics instruction should be an integral part of pre- service teaching requirements so that teachers will have the skills to effectively teach reading." Although the resolution failed to win the necessary two-thirds majority by a vote of 224 "yes" to 193 "no," it is nevertheless an ominous sign that Congress is poised to intrude upon the professional decision making of classroom teachers and teacher educators in regard to the teaching of reading (CNN, 1999).

6. A quote from our leaders... –We have left behind the basic skills approach in teaching our students to read in a structured and accountable environment that supports a phonics approach to reading. Direct instruction, by qualified teachers, who are accountable for their classrooms, need to introduce phonics in school so students can gain back the skills that have been lost to a generation of learners. These skills have been thrown away and replaced with a “whole language” approach to learning where students rule and projects have replaced instruction. This environment of non-structure has left with a nation of illiterate children who can no longer spell a simple word or write a simple sentence. A phonics approach directly teaches the basics of our language in a structured and assessable environment where we can measure what is being learned and what is being taught. Without those rudimentary skills, our current state of literacy will surely be lost!-- National Reading Panel, NCLB open forum, (CNN, 1999).

7. Student Assessment 4 Assessing students on a more authentic grading scale is the best way to work with alternate text etc… 4 These links give an accurate and usable description of authentic assessment. http:www.funderstanding.com/authentic_assessment.cfm http://jonathan.mueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/ind...

8. Assessment and theory…whole language the theory and authentic assessment the conceptualized assessment that can measure theory in practice... 4 A feature of authentic assessment is to offer real world reading and experiences to the classroom. I would like to use magazines as a way to gain knowledge and motivate hard to reach middle school readers (Mueller, 2006). 4 I also want to add titles that are in correlation with the social studies and science curriculum. This way, students have a chance to read popular titles as well as science and social studies related titles during class time. 4 I have developed an activity and a rubric for a written review to be used with different writing assignments using the magazines. This is in no way the only way to use the magazines. It is just what I find as appropriate to use with my writing workshop and middle school writers.

9. Whole Language/Authentic Assessment 4 Whole language and authentic assessment work hand in hand. Their both formulated to use real-world reading and writing to actively measure the reading and writing of students. Using magazines and constructing authentic assessments to use with the magazines is the most efficient way to measure achievement.

10. Working with the text...

15. Rubric for written review...

16. Readability 4 The readability of most magazines is in the 5th to 6th grade reading range (Readance, 2004). For teacher use, an assessment of the reading range of a magazine (it generally remains the same throughout the magazine) would be a good practice for teachers and might be of some interest to students.

17. How do I measure readability? 4 There are several ways to check readability. The Flesch readability test is one of the easiest. It is worth the time for teachers to assess the difficulty of the text before using it in a class. 4 This selection analysis is from The New Yorker, April 28, 2008. The reading range is above a middle school student. Not what is needed for this project. However...

18. Readability continued... 4 Readability is up to teacher discretion. Content might be a prime factor in popular literature…for more information on the Flesch Readability test… Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test

19. How can I use the titles?? 4 A few suggestions: 4 Research 4 Current Events Tie-Ins 4 Coaching in Reading Skills in the Content Areas 4 Reviewing skills in writing and in discussion.

20. Why?? 4 “There is value in talking with students about how and why they use materials of literacy, which these days includes books, magazines, TV, film and digital resources.” 4 National Council of Teachers of English

21. Part of what motivates... 4 Part of what motivates students is the element of choice. Multiple titles offer multiple ways to use the magazines. The titles can be as varied as your students. Using multiple choice tests on the content of the magazines is probably NOT the way to motivate students to read!

22. Motivation and assessment??

23. How to motivate...

24. Discussion matters in middle school! 4 Middle school students need to assessed on many different levels. They need discussion to be part of their everyday classroom experience. Using discussion as an activity for assessment can both motivate and measure.

25. Discussion rubric…created at Rubi-Star http://rubistar.4teachers.org

26. References