From the Mouth (well, writing) of Kylene Beers

I just finished reading the first five chapters (1-5) of this text, When Kids Can't Read: What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Write now, I should be writing my required blog that is an equivalent to a two page, informal essay, but my mind is bouncing around from a wanna-be-teacher high. Yes, adrenaline runs through my veins when I read.

This text is unbelievably approachable! Teachers and other wanna-be-teachers should not dread looking at this theory/strategy textbook. It is an indispensable guide that I will utilize in the years ahead of me. At this point in my educational career, I am working in a 60 hour practicum with 6th graders. It was just this morning that I was teaching to a small group of students how to read informational texts, specifically an opinion article. This text introduced me to strategies that I used, which really excited me that I somehow innately knew to teach these skills, and others that I could have used during my 35 minute lesson.

I cannot fully explain how this text has touched my desire to teach; it would be best experienced on your own. I am an independent reader, and I needed the reminder of to teach students to be independent readers.

All wanna-be English teachers, consider picking up a copy!