Teacher
Reflection
During the implementation
of the exemplary practice in the reading-writing connection, I served more as a
facilitator than an instructor for the project.
I was able to connect book review writing with reading and writing as a
form of literature study. I guided
my students through the reading of professional book reviews directing their
attention to specific phrases and words that had significant meaning for
developing a book review. I
explained ideas and concepts and tried to work at a pace that was challenging
yet attainable for my students. The students were active participants and they
appeared to be focused and motivated during the lessons.
I generated responses from my students through the use of a guided
reading approach to analyze the elements of the children's literature being
read. Through reading professional book reviews and talking with
each other about the components of a book review, the students were able to
collaborate with each other to develop a book review checklist. When I modeled
how to write a book review using the checklist, I felt that the students were
able to make the connection between reading children's literature and writing
book reviews. I believe the students gained understanding of how book
reviews were structured and were able to use this information as a basis to write
their own book reviews.
Comparing the students' book review samples before
reading professional book reviews and then after reading them presented progress
and development of their own book reviews writing.
Many samples before the reading of professional book reviews lacked the
essential components of a book review. By
analyzing the elements of a professional book review and developing a book
review checklist, allowed the students to gain insight for writing book reviews
and to develop their own style and form in the summary, evaluation, and
recommendation sections of their book review.
The student
reflections expressed their enjoyment in reading children's literature and
writing book reviews. Although not stated in the student reflections, I
believe the students learned about the style and form of writing book
reviews. They learned to write succinctly and persuasively and
to focus on specific components of a book review.
Reading
is used for insight for writing in different genres to develop students' style
and form in writing. By having the students read a variety of reviews in
professional journals and discuss them in terms of structure and
author's purpose, students learn to write from what they read.
Students need to be encouraged to experience reading like a writer so
that they can internalize the quality and structure of good writing.
They need to analyze the text and use the author's style into their own
writing. Students need to write
about what they are reading, so that they can appreciate the words and style of
the author.