Voices from the Middle, Vol. 8, No. 2, December 2000

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Passionate Teaching, Passionate Reading

• Literature as Invitation

  Robert Probst

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  Abstract: Describes how a discussion of "The Diary of Anne Frank" moved a class to intense discussion. Discusses how the books, and stories, and poems are invitations to a passionate engagement with human experience. Considers literature as the invitation to a dialogue, to intellectual inquiry, to tell one's own story, to participate in a society and the culture, and to self-definition.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Diversity, Literacy, Literature, Reading

• From Engagement to Celebration: A Framework for Passionate Reading

  Cheryl Thomas

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  Abstract: Discusses how connecting students to reading requires more than just an energetic approach. Presents a framework for reading experiences: engagement, exploration, collaboration, and individual celebration. Describes a program that gives students varied opportunities to become engaged in literature, choice in what they read, time to actually read, and chances to share their insights and discoveries.

  Keywords: Middle, Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Writing, Reading

• Mining for Gems: The Making of Readers and Writers

  Pat Thomas

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  Abstract: Considers how to develop students' passion for language and how to get them to stop and look at word choice. Defines a "gem" as a word, phrase, or sentence that is particularly remarkable or moving. Describes working with students to notice the gems, design gem journals, write their own gems, and to create future gems.

  Keywords: Middle, Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Writing, Reading

• Filling in the Holes for Themselves: 6th and 7th Graders Analyze Texts

  Karen Moran

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  Abstract: Describes a critical reading unit in which one seventh-grade class read L. Sacher's "Holes" and three other classes read texts of their choosing along with a partner. Notes that the goal was to set up a context for the students, as readers, to experience the main character's growth--for them to become active, independent, passionate readers.

  Keywords: Middle, Literature, Pedagogy, Reading

• Young Adult Literature: An Entrée into the Joys of Reading

  Leigh Van Horn

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  Abstract: Notes how adolescents through young adult literature begin to discover the meaning behind the words and to explore their own emotions. Describes the use of small groups and an introduction of the concept of a literacy community. Discusses a whole-class reading and response to S.E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders."

  Keywords: Middle, Literature, Pedagogy, Writing, Reading

• The Power of Reading: Practices That Work

  Linda Rief

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  Abstract: Looks at two case examples of reader experiences, one of an 8th grader and another of a 2-year-old. Considers how to best promote reading by reading aloud in class. Presents a list of 37 highly recommended books for 8th-grade classes and a list of 11 books recommended for read-alouds.

  Keywords: Middle, Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Research, Reading

• EDITOR'S MESSAGE: Passionate Teaching, Passionate Reading

  Kylene Beers

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  Abstract: "Each article in this issue underscores the fact that to create engaged, skilled, passionate readers, we must understand that the 'work' in workshop applies as much to teachers as to students."

  Keywords: Middle

• A HAND UP: Turning into the Slide

  Chris Crutcher

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  Abstract: "It's a scary thing that we have been so enamored of late of the concept of zero tolerance. …It doesn't give us the tools to deal with the self-contempt of the most wounded kids we work with, because the behavior of self-contempt, the expression of it, often requires us to spit a kid out before we can every read the message he is doing his best to deliver."

  Keywords: Middle

• ONE LAST THOUGHT: The Enemy is Othodoxy!

  Jeffrey D. Wilhelm

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  Abstract: "Our most powerful and progressive educational ideas are often never really tried on a widespread scale. The ideas are watered down and reified. (It's like poorly mixed cement, it runs where is shouldn't and then hardens.)"

  Keywords: Middle

• TECH CONNECT: Reading the Body Electric

  Nancy Patterson and Gloria Pipkin

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  Abstract: This column is divided into two sections. The first challenges teachers to broaden their definition of text to include electronic forms of storytelling. The second section points to online sources of information about some of the most passionate experts on language arts classroom practice.

  Keywords: Middle

• PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEWS: Reading to Inspire Readers

  Leigh Van Horn

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  Abstract: Reviews of books for teachers that will inspire passion about reading.

  Keywords: Middle

• FROM STUDENT TO STUDENT: Passionate Readers, Passionate Reviewers

  Kim Ford, Editor

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  Abstract: Student reviewed books.

  Keywords: Middle

• THE VIEW FROM THE MIDDLE: A Conversation with the 2000 Hoey Award Winner

  Bill Mollineaux, editor

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  Abstract: An interview with Linda Reif, the 2000 recipient of the Edwin A. Hoey Award.

  Keywords: Middle

• BOOK TALK: Passionate Reads: Books to Lure Lifetime Readers

  Teri Lesesne, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

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