ReviewThis book is packed with a ton of information. The book opened with helpful definitions to orient the reader with the ideas of inquiry, literacy, and service in the classroom just in case they were not aware of what they were or how the authors were going to be referring to them as. These definitions and the examples that accompanied them provided an excellent scaffold in and out of each detailed unit, essential question, project, etc. that the authors described. I killed several highlighters while reading this book just because I wanted to note and remember all of the excellent concepts, unit plans, essential questions, etc. moving forward. Jeffrey Wilhelm and the authors are all Teacher Consultants for the Boise State Writing Project, and their passion for teaching with inquiry, literacy, and service are very present on every page of the book. Because I read this during my Summer Institute at the Red Cedar Writing Project, I felt an instant bond with these teachers and could see their thought process with the lens of the National Writing Project. This book is Exceptional because it provides the reader with a new approach to teaching, while still being adaptable across grade levels and content areas. As I mentioned before, the book is packed, and at times overwhelming. Jeffrey and the rest of the authors seemed to do everything so fluidly in their classrooms that it made the thought of implementation very daunting, especially for a first year teacher. Classroom ImplicationsThis whole book implies and includes the classroom. I felt the authors did a great job chunking up chapters by the types of service that can be accomplished through this approach.
So What?Out of these chapters, I believe "Service to School" is an important service to focus on because school is often viewed as a place where students have to be rather than a place they want to be. Wilhelm says, “schools need to be places that students find not only safe, but also engaging, significant, and fun” and where they can “engage in personally and socially significant work with other people that they could not do on their own” (59). The chapter focuses on several examples of how students can engage with projects focused on service to their schools. The first project has students becoming “actual historians” as they conduct primary research and explore the multiple aspects that have shaped the history and culture of the school. Both a third space is created and service is provided to the larger community by discovering aspects of the school’s history that may not be known. Through students’ work in their school, whether conducting historical research or transforming school culture, students and their teachers become democratic citizens. Wilhelm et al uses Todd DeStigter’s definition of “democracy” to further the democratic citizens point. DeStigter defined democracy as “a way of interacting with others by which all people have the desire, ability, and opportunity to participate in shaping their individual and collective lives” (64). Continuing the ConversationDo you implement inquiry, literacy, and/or service into your classroom? What projects or units have been the most effective in terms of service? Feel free to comment below!
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ReviewIf you have ever read a Kelly Gallagher book then you know about the sheer brilliance, research, planning, and thought that goes into his work. If you have never read a Kelly Gallagher book, but are familiar with his name then you finally get to experience the essence of him. If you have no idea who Kelly Gallagher is then welcome. Enjoy this book for all it is and reap the benefit of now understanding Kelly Gallagher. A lot of this book was a repeat of what Gallagher has mentioned in past books and in his Twitter feed. The book breaks apart the CCSS for English and provides a unique perspective by complimenting it with excellent detail and showcasing the great aspects, but also shining a light on the no-so-great parts. One of the themes of the book is that we, as educators, should not become attached to the CCSS because a new set will roll into town eventually and have the potential to be something completely different. He reviews and assesses practices that align with the CCSS, but are also in the best interest of our students. The book is hot off the press (2015), takes a critical approach to the CCSS, and provides a lot of excellent examples of ideas that I want to implement now. I killed a lot of highlighters in this book highlighting everything I wanted to remember and keep in my back pocket. This book is a must read and is Monumental! Classroom ImplicationsWhile I wouldn't reference this book as an excellent read to my students, this book would be a great mentor text to further what the Activist Learner represents. The book dives into Gallagher's inquiry into what truly is best for our students. It also is a great mentor text for teachers. Teachers can use this book and follow its format, adding personal classroom experience in letters to department chairs, building and district administration, lawmakers, parents, etc. The audience that could be reached with this book is huge! So What?As mentioned above in the overview section, I would love to have the writers of the Common Core State Standards read this book with a critical lens towards their product. To be a fly on the wall during the reading of the book, bookclubs between themselves, and/or discussions with Kelly Gallagher and the teachers trying to navigate through the standards would be amazing. As long as everyone approached the book and discussion with a clear, open mind, I think the conversation could begin to move forward in two directions - 1). What's next? and 2). What is in the best interest of our students? Yeah, that's right, Kelly Gallagher. I added a word there - "our." My students differ from your students. Your students and their needs, wants, goals, desires, dreams, etc. are different than my students. I have to keep in mind what is in the best interest of my demographic. Continuing the ConversationWhat are your thoughts on the Common Core State Standards? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Feel free to comment below!
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The Avalanche of Books
As an educator and avid reader, I am constantly hearing about books. I feel like I am being chased by a giant, rolling avalanche of titles and authors. Rating System
5 books - New fave! Read it now!
4 books - Shelf worthy 3 books - Quality read, but ... 2 books - Borrow it 1 book - Skip it Archives
December 2017
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