Bringing Reading to Life

This series of four programs features 18 vignettes shot in Franki Sibberson's fifth grade class, where Sibberson and colleague Karen Szymusiak create a learning environment that promotes reading comprehension, while also demonstrating a variety of teaching and learning strategies designed to enable students to interpret literature. Geared toward teachers of grades 3-6, the first volume, “The Reading Community,” looks at the importance of routines, school-wide and family support, and classroom organization. The second, “The Teacher's Role,” illustrates how teachers can divide instruction time into whole class, small group, and individual activities, such as building a reading notebook. Volume three, “Taking the Conversation Deeper,” demonstrates how pairing a “read-aloud” activity with a focused discussion can help students discover themes and issues in a particular story. The final program, “Reading Groups,” covers how students can take more responsibility in the organization of reading groups, use self-directed learning activities to promote student-led discussions, and become aware of their individual strengths and weaknesses in reading skills. Emphasizing strong student interaction, this excellent tool for educators, higher-ed elementary education programs, and parents who take an active roles in their children's education is highly recommended. Aud: E, I, C, P. (L. Stevens)