Reading Projects Reimagined: Student-Driven Conferences to Deepen Critical Thinking

by Daniel Feigelson

Veteran teacher and author Dan Feigelson raises an important question about the larger goal of reading while it's our job as reading teachers to introduce students to new ideas and comprehension strategies, shouldn't we also teach them to come up with their own ideas - without teacher prompting? In Reading Projects Reimagined , Feigelson shows us how conference-based, individual reading projects help students learn how to think for themselves. He provides a concrete picture of what reading projects look and sound like in the classroom When readers go beyond simple comprehension questions to extend their own ideas, they're on their way to becoming independent, critical thinkers who can read any text with depth and thoughtfulness. Praise for Reading Projects Reimagined : "Dan Feigelson is one of our shrewdest and most versatile thinkers in the field of literacy, a guy who can draw from his experiences as classroom teacher, staff developer, principal, and superintendent. In this fascinating book, Dan gives a new vision for the reading conference in which teachers can help students name their own ideas, and use them as tools for deeper comprehension." Ralph Fletcher "This book contains some of the best writing about conferring with children that I've read." Carl Anderson If you have ever wondered how to bring more substance, more gravitas, to reading conferences, this book will provide you with an array of possibilities. Dan Feigelson is absolutely clear that he is not offering a set of scripts for conferences; instead he shows us how to help each child develop a sense of the possible." Ellin Keene "In Reading Projects Reimagined , Dan Feigelson reminds us of a radical and grounding premise, that a truly effective reading conference, one that can change a reading life, prioritizes the reader, not the standards or test prep. Dan shows us how to shine a light on children's words and intentions in ways that can increase their engagement with texts and inspire investment in their own text-based ideas." Kathy Collins

Genres: Teaching, Education

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2014

Reviews

[Kendall Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous resource! This book really ties together independent reading, conferencing, and what students should be doing in a reader's notebook. The author provides so many examples of conferences with students that I feel ready to get started. After reading this book I am feeling more confident about having meaningful conferences with my students.

[jc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Feigelson's important book is allowing me to deepen the impact of my reading conferences and helping my readers grow. The practical aspects of reading projects give shape and focus to the important work my students are doing and helps them see the benefits of reading deeply.

[Jennifer Brinkmeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are the core theories of the book:
1. Students should follow their own noticings as they read and look for patterns.
2. Independent reading is a great place for students to do that, allowing for transfer of whole-class learnings.
3. Discussion of the highly informal "projects" lends focus to conferences.
4. A teacher's primary job in conferences is to listen to students, name their noticings, and give them direction for continuing in that direction.

I agree with all of these. I'm still nervous about making independent reading to "schoolish," but all four above are too juicy for me to pass on the opportunity!

[Kelly]

Skimmed part of chapter 2 and it looks GREAT!

[Rebekah O'Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excited to adapt these strategies with high school readers! A wonderfully practical book that I know will soon be worn with flipping-and-referencing as I confer with readers.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great techniques. Loved the real examples of students and being able to see their actual work. Can't wait to put these techniques and ideas to use.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas for reading conferences.