There are some kids who will bring their books and be totally prepared for DEAR… and then there are those who complain for the entire duration of the 20 minutes of DEAR. What do you do? Keep pushing.
Here are 5 of my suggestions for pushing your way through DEAR:
1. Choose a high interest novel to read aloud to your class. Consider books that have been made into movies. Check out these two links below to top lists of Young Adult novels. If you have an extra 5-10 minutes at the end of class, use your DEAR book as an extender. Read aloud to your class; you’ll be amazed at the silent listening they will do during that period of time. Additionally, I’m happy to come in and read aloud to your students.
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/young-adult
http://www.npr.org/2012/08/07/157795366/your-favorites-100-best-ever-teen-novels
2. Give suggestions. For your students who don’t have anything to read, find some online articles relevant to what you’re studying in class. This will provide students with prior knowledge and text connections to what you are studying resulting in a bridge to comprehension of content. For example, Mr. Stooks’ class is studying GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and had his students read an article about internet censorship in Hong Kong to link them into a map analysis on Censorship. The prior knowledge and content knowledge that they gained, and not to mention Stooks’ overall genuine interest and contagious enthusiasm, gave the students confidence and a connection to the course and transition into map analysis.
3. Give activities. Some teachers have offered a bingo board of activities to provide students options for activities to go along with their reading. It’s very true that some kids just want credit for what they’re doing (don’t we all? :)) and this could be an incentive for you to use as extra credit or a grade. Who knows — maybe you’ll want to use it with ALL of your classes and not just DEAR! The reading could be done during DEAR and the activity could be homework. Structure it as it fits your needs.
4. Websites for readings:
– The NY Times has a website full of articles that you can search for by category/topic. There are articles relating to science, civics, technology, and even mathematics! Click here to check it out. If you need a formative assessment, feel free to use this generic Nonfiction Article Review.
– Alyssa Higgins, Math teacher, shared with me “The Skimm.” In her words, “It’s a shortened version of the news. It is written in a slightly sarcastic tone, but it gives the reader a quick idea of what is going on in the world around them. All they have to do it go to the website and subscribe, then they get a free email with the Skimm every day. I love it! ” I receive my Skimm every day, too, and it’s definitely a fun read. Check it out! http://www.theskimm.com/
– Don’t forget about an oldie but goodie, National Public Radio (NPR). There are a number of segments, stories, articles, and opinions to read and enjoy. Best of all, some of these stories provide a read aloud option! I know for sure that the “This I Believe” segments do!
5. Ask the students for suggestions! They know what they like to read about or are interested in… offer extra credit points on homework for bringing in reading material for the next DEAR.
Also, don’t forget to model! Take an interest in DEAR; find something that you’re interested in and passionate about and the students will take their cue from you.
Keep pushing!