Tough Questions (Part II)

Worksheets and Homework
How do you respond when a parent asks why no extensive homework or worksheets?

• Students aren't actively engaged
• they pick up the pattern of the worksheets 
  
• There is frustration when the work can't be completed
• After school should be family time
• Doesn't take into account SES

Commercial Reading Programs and Guided Reading
Basal readers, etc.

• Students don't get a real literacy experience when readings are truncated or dumbed down

• Stories aren't authentic

• Vocabulary is controlled

Rewards & Accelerated Reader (See  http://www.sdkrashen.com for more info)

• It's all about the reward
• Doesn't build a love of reading
• Competitive
• Doesn't take into account those readers who struggle, or the kids who love to read, or those who choose harder/longer text

 

Garan, E. (2007). Smart Answers to Tough Questions. New York: Scholastic.