Week 6: 2/26 In a Pinch: A Few Great Book Club Resources

One of my favorite reasons for teaching reading to students in the upper elementary grades is that I really enjoy facilitating book club groups. However, it is also one the most challenging because I feel I should know each of our texts inside and out in order to instruct and scaffold my groups understanding and progress. As a second year teacher, I realize that is impossible! At any given time, I am facilitating 4 to 5 groups, all reading different texts. Every so often I find myself struggling to keep up with the reading. Problem solved as of last week... I found some great websites to help in a pinch. I discovered Shmoop as I frantically searched the internet for a descent book summary for Patricia MacLachlan's text, "Waiting For The Magic".  I had just about thirty minutes to catch up on the first half of the book before meeting with a group for remediation. Having access to book summary on this particular day saved the lesson and discussion. Even better, the site also included comprehension and critical thinking questions for discussion. As a teacher, I don't necessarily want to rely on these resources for every day use. But again, it is helpful when you are not familiar with a text and don't have the time to read beforehand. Self-described, Shmoop is a one-stop-shop for educators and students. In my explorartion, I foundthat the site offers many resources. From taking courses, to finding book reviews, it has it all. Check out the link, What is Shmoop? I do however, have one disclaimer. I completed a search and then tried to search the same topic, using the same key words and had difficulty finding the summary at a later date. I'm not sure if this was just a fluke. It was a bit frustrating. I also discovered Kidsreads. This website was much easier to navigate and locate summaries. It is a very kid friendly resource, intended for young readers and has a so many titles.

When I met with my grade 4 book club members we zeroed in on vocabulary in order to understand and discuss the feelings related to each of the characters as they dealt with their father leaving for two months. As I mentioned, I meet with this group for remediation. One of our goals is to become familiar with unknown vocabulary. The CCSS below is one that guided my instruction.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).