Reading in the Middle, Junior and Senior High Schools, Spring, 2010

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/pictures-tell-story-improving-1102.html?tab=4#tabs

This lesson plan was one that I felt really fit my style, for the most part. I felt that the description of the process the students would actually be doing was a little long. I tend to outline the basics of what students will be doing. Looking more closely at the activity it is one that requires a lot of explanation. This teacher seems well prepared for the lesson. It contains outside sources and handouts to keep the students on track with the activity, and specific questions the students will be answering. I think this lesson would also be good if the teacher were forced to find a substitute.

I love the idea of incorporating graphic novels in the classroom. It is a genre that is frequently overlooked. It has a lot of potential to engage students on difficult topics such as this one. I wish this lesson plan could incorporate more technology. I was disappointed to read the technology section because it is very barren. This could be geared toward a school with limited funding though, and it that sense it works. Overall, the lesson plan is clear and easy to understand. It follows NC standards and is one I could see myself using.

I liked the anticipation guide. It forced me to focus on the article before I read it. It also helped me assess what I actually learned from this article by how my opinions did or didn’t change. It also gave a prelude to what the article would be about. I think reading something is always easier if I know a little before I read what it will be about. I will definitely keep it in mind for my future classroom. It is a great pre-reading activity that could also help students respond to a reading even further. It helps organize their thought process through questions.

This article was very informative. I am a big fan of the internet, and I liked that this article seemed to be a fan as well. I think the internet can also improve on pre-existing skills. It should not hinder or dumb us down as a society, but instead, help us better cope with our chaotic environments. As much as we hate it, we do not live in a logical or linear society. The fact that we can navigate the internet only helps to deal with our non-linear environments.