Pathways to Independence: Reading, Writing, and Learning in Grades 3-8

by Jo Worthy, Karen Broaddus, Melinda Ivey

This comprehensive text presents a core of research-based approaches to engaging, effective literacy instruction in the middle grades. Methods and materials are described to foster reading skills, content mastery, and writing in different formats and for different purposes. The authors emphasize the need to tailor instruction to the needs, strengths, skill levels, and interests of diverse students. They offer recommendations for reading lists that incorporate critically acclaimed fiction and nonfiction, popular series books, and other student-friendly materials. Special features include case studies, examples of teaching and assessment activities, and commentary from middle-school teachers and students. Appendices contain reproducible forms and lists of recommended reading materials and resources.

345 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2001

Reviews

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory look at literacy instruction from grades 3-8. It does a good job of addressing how literacy approaches need to be tweaked to meet the needs of upper elementary and middle school students. I particularly love the chapters on writing instruction and teaching research. But, feel not enough attention is given to the unique social-emotional and developmental needs of students in the 6th-8th grades.