I Read It, But I Don't Get It by Cris Tovani

Literary Histories are a great way to get to know your students - their likes and dislikes in reading, as well as their reading experiences. I've adapted a Literary History from the book that I use in workshops.

Some additional surveys/reflections for students on reading:

• A teacher letter including her reflections as a model for student reflections.
• A reading survey
• A reader self-assessment

In the first chapter \"Fake Reading,\" Tovani asks her students to list the strategies of proficient readers. Here is a sample list (courtesy of SDE, Inc.)of what proficient readers do, as well as a handout of \"Fix Up\" strategies.

Making reading purposeful is one main theme of the book. We experienced that in our book study session with "The House" activity. This ASCD article by Cris Tovani will help to clarify the Power of Purposeful Reading.

Tovani encourages the use of "sticky notes" to help students make connections and ask questions as they read - one way to engage students with text. One high school teacher adapted this method in a "Sticky Note Book Report" which can be read here.