[LM_NET] TAR: Reading: Keeping Story Alive

[Toni Buzzeo <tonibuzzeo@TONIBUZZEO.COM>]

Dear Colleagues,

I'm in the process of writing a new speech that I'll be delivering at a 
reading conference.  As I reflect on the state of reading in today's 
schools, I am forced to admit that the focus has turned sharply to the five 
essential components of effective reading instruction: phonics, phonemic 
awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension, as defined in Reading 
First.  Now, I'm not opposed to any of these five elements but my librarian 
heart cries out--WHAT ABOUT STORY?

I believe it is the love of story that keeps children engaged in reading 
and coming back to the printed page every day of their lives.  I know that 
many of you do, too.  My question, though, is about your teachers.  Think 
about the teachers in your building who DO keep story alive for their 
students (all ages).  How are they doing that in this age of "effective 
reading instruction" and constant testing?  In my school, I was seeing even 
the most avid children's literature supporters fall to the demands of 
instruction and testing.

Best,
Toni (in snowy Maine)


Toni Buzzeo, MA, MLIS <mailto:tonibuzzeo@tonibuzzeo.com>
Maine Library Media Specialist of the Year Emerita
Maine Association of School Libraries Board Member
Buxton, ME 04093
http://www.tonibuzzeo.com
Our Librarian Won't Tell Us ANYTHING! A Mrs. Skorupski Story, illustrated 
by Sachiko Yoshikawa (Upstart 2006) BRAND NEW!!

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