Voices from the Middle, Vol. 8, No. 4, May 2001

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: When Readers Struggle

• Thank You, Mrs. Bean: Seeking Balance for Students Who Struggle as Readers

  Richard T. Vacca

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  Abstract: Discusses what it means to struggle as a reader, lacking competence with reading strategies and lacking confidence in oneself to make meaning with texts. Argues that balance can be found in adolescent reading programs by seeking equilibrium between the visible and invisible aspects of instruction in the development and use of reading strategies.

  Keywords: Middle, Pedagogy, Reading

• “Amidst Familial Gatherings":Reading Apprenticeship in a Middle School Classroom

  Marean Jordan, Rita Jensen, and Cynthia Greenleaf

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  Abstract: Describes Reading Apprenticeship, an approach to adolescent reading improvement in which teachers apprentice students into the strategies skilled readers use. Demonstrates the program at work in one seventh and eighth grade classroom. Discusses four key dimensions of classroom life: social (building community); personal (connecting to reading); cognitive (developing a tool kit); and knowledge-building (tapping resources).

  Keywords: Middle, Diversity, Pedagogy, Reading

• Getting Kids into the Reading Game: You Gotta Know the Rules

  Jeff Wilhelm

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  Abstract: Argues that schools and teachers underestimate the demands that particular texts place on readers, especially as students reach middle school. Describes how the author uses think-alouds as one particular technique to actively give contextualized strategic knowledge over to students. Shows how this helps readers overcome their struggles to develop greater capacities and tastes.

  Keywords: Middle, Pedagogy, Reading

• Assisting Struggling Readers in Building Vocabulary and Background Knowledge

  Judith L. Irvin

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  Abstract: Discusses research and strategies and activities for vocabulary development, grouped into five areas: knowing words, morphology, the use of context, the role of definitions in understanding words, and the size and growth of vocabulary. Outlines questions for metalinguistic awareness that can help engage students in word learning. Offers 10 questions to assist teachers in making good decisions about vocabulary instruction.

  Keywords: Middle, Language, Pedagogy, Research, Reading

• Improving Reading Comprehension by Using Media Literacy Activities

  Renee Hobbs

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  Abstract: Rather than viewing popular culture as an enemy to the work we do in schools, Renee Hobbs challenges educators to find creative ways to build connections between kids' worlds and the work we do in classrooms. She shares a sequence of classroom engagements that moved students from film to literature to writing.

  Keywords: Middle, Literature, Media Studies / Journalism, Pedagogy, Reading

• Improving Reading by . . . Reading: Ideas from Two Teachers

  Mary Davis and Shirley Lyons

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  Abstract: Describes a home reading intervention program for students with real reading difficulties, which has turned many students on to reading, by giving students book bags with three books (at different levels) in each bag for home reading. Discusses developing parent support, outlines contents of 30 book bags, and notes challenges and successes of the program.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Pedagogy, Reading

• "And Then I Read. . . "

  Walter Dean Myers

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  Abstract: Read one person's portrait of his growth as a reader and writer. Young adult author Myers takes us through what he calls his "adventure with language." This narrative of one person's literacy might resonate with your own!

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Language, Literacy, Writing, Reading

• TECH CONNECT: Guiding Readers to New Understandings through Electronic Text

  Nancy Patterson and Gloria Pipkin

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  Abstract: How can computers help students to become more engaged readers? This column lists sites that are so interesting and full of interactive features that even the most reluctant reader will have trouble not being captivates. Also includes links to help you set up a WebQuest.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Technology, Reading

• EDITOR'S MESSAGE: When Readers Struggle

  Kylene Beers

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  Abstract: The search for answers about how to teach struggling readers led Beers to five conclusions about working with students who are not yet independent readers.

  Keywords: Middle

• A HAND UP: Detour

  Chris Crutcher

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  Abstract: Responds to a school shooting in San Diego. The issue is not about zero tolerance or placing blame - it's about changing our mindsets. We need to practice the "politics of inclusion" - to expand our traditional ways of thinking, paying attention, and adding programs that include young people who are feeling lonely, humiliated and desperate.

  Keywords: Middle

• ONE LAST THOUGHT: From the Adolescent Students Who Struggle with Reading to Adult Illiterates who Struggle to Read.

  Evelyn Beaulieu

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  Abstract: Watch and listen for clues that tell you that students are giving up on reading, and find ways to help them develop lifelong literacy skills.

  Keywords: Middle

• THE VIEW FROM THE MIDDLE: Simply Irrisistible: Letting Our Reading Inform Theirs

  Bill Mallineaux

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  Abstract: Offers twenty-five suggestions for meeting the needs of reluctant readers.

  Keywords: Middle

• PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEWS: Pathways and Possibilities: Reading to Reach Struggling Readers

  Leigh Van Horn, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

• BOOK TALK: Struggling to be Heard: Voice in YA Literature

  Teri Lesesne, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

• FROM STUDENT TO STUDENT: Bonding with Books

  Kim Ford, editor

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  Abstract: Student reviewed books.

  Keywords: Middle

• Index for Voices from the Middle, Volume 8

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

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