6th+Grade+Team

Session 1: Thursday, April 12, 2012

Members Present: Bronwyn, Mary, and Kendra

Facilitator: Robin Note taker: Bronwyn Timekeeper: Kendra

Reading: Introduction and Chapter 1 - Engagement: Reading's Missing Link

Here are thoughts from the members:
 * Author connected to the Cornerstone model
 * All agree improving instruction in all content areas
 * Fluency - Comprehension - Improvement
 * Kids are eager to participate in Mary's fluency exercises
 * Comprhension is tied to punctuation and getting kids to understand punctuation
 * Focus across content areas on fiction embedded with content especial in science and math
 * Look into purchasing content based "Reader's Theater" with Scholastic award
 * Cross grade exploration of stories - example "Christmas Truce" story gets deeper as kids get older
 * Re-engagement of students, educator needs to plan bonding efforts and conserve efforts for more "return on investment

Here's what members are going to try prior to the next session:
 * Kendra: focus on fluency
 * Bronwyn: historical/science fiction during designated reading time
 * Mary: continue math readings and fluency exercises
 * Everyone is going to focus on modeling fluency throught he use of read alouds

Next Session: Thursday, April 26, 2012

Reading: Chapter 2: Building Background for Reading