Sophie C. Degener - Böcker

Personal interactions are the single most effective way for teachers to understand and evaluate their students as learners. Responding specifically to new Common Core State Standards in reading and writing, this book introduces pre- and inservice teachers to a method of one-on-one interaction the authors refer to as the “stretch conference”. This book provides detailed practical advice on the logistics of implementing these conferences during the busy school day, including tips on how and when to schedule conferences and how to successfully manage the classroom during conference time. The authors argue that, rather than using valuable conference time for word-level concerns and editing, teachers should focus on more ambitious goals that will deepen (or“stretch"") students' skills in comprehension and writing. This resource suggests where conferences fit in with other important pieces of literacy instruction, introduces a variety of high-quality cues to use during conferences, and shows how conferences can function as formative assessment for reading and writing skills.

Differentiated reading instruction: An effective model for the middle gradesStrategic grouping can transform reading instruction in the middle grades from a hit-or-miss learning experience to a targeted, responsive one. This book features a practical and field-tested model for small-group differentiated reading instruction in Grades 4–8. Jennifer Berne and Sophie C. Degener offer a clear, detailed discussion of how to position this instruction inside middle school language arts or reading classrooms and simple, effective strategies for classroom management, groupings, and assessment. The authors explain how to

Balance brief strategic reading lessons with whole-class workStructure and guide reading groups consistentlyAssess students before and during reading groupsCue students and gauge understanding as they read

Differentiating instruction is not the flavor of the month in education; rather, it is the essential orientation for maximizing student success. Strategic Reading Groups gives teachers the tools they need to differentiate reading instruction in the critical middle years, as students begin to read more complex, content-filled narrative and informative texts.