Books
"I must admit, I'm a bit of a maverick. However, I must be doing something right as most of my students love to be in my class and even the boys find themselves enjoying reading. I come from an arts background as I was a dancer for many years and was what people call a "gypsy" which is a dancer, singer, actress. Because I am so kinesthetic and visual, I bring a lot of that to my reading and writing classes. To explain comprehension skills, I am always looking for ways to have them explore the text with their whole bodies by making the words very large, cutting them out, and laying them on the floor. They they have to "walk" through the text as they explore and explain what they notice. It's surprisingly effective. As an adult, I hate sitting all day so I figure I cannot expect them to do what I cannot! So, my students are free to find their own space in the classroom to read or write as long as they are being productive. It is a privilege which they have to earn, but they work hard for that goal."
- Merle Quave, Houston teacher.
