We really haven’t had a
successful book study at our school because the two attempts seemed to be with books that didn’t provide practical uses
in the classroom. I was intrigued by comments made in another section about a
book by Tony Stead – Is That A Fact? This book gives ways to use non-fiction
writing in primary classrooms.
I have frequently heard teachers comment on the lack on non-fiction materials and feel this would be of interest to
the primary division. There is also a need to encourage boys to read more and
for enjoyment. I also feel that (from reading the reviews of the book) this book
will provide practical uses in the classroom as it has a section with 5 specific formats of non-fiction writing and how to
apply it in a primary classroom. An added plus is that our kindergarten team
always feels left out because things don’t apply to them so I feel they will be happy to be included.
Goals
· Promote the use of non-fiction books and writing styles in primary classrooms
· Motivate and improve boys participation and enjoyment of reading and writing
Plan
· Introduce the book at the first primary meeting and ask for interested staff (including
principal, vice principal, literacy lead and reading recovery teachers) to leave me a message if they are interested. Explain the dynamics of a study group and that it is voluntary.
· Order books
· Have interested staff meet and discuss convenient times for ongoing meeting and reflection.
· If the group is larger than six split into 2 groups
· Meet regularly to discuss the decided reading and how it could be used in our classrooms.
· Use different ideas in the classroom and discuss positives and negatives and how to improve.
· Share ideas with other staff members
