Basic Skills Forum

The following info is my description ( as I see it ) of the library
component and how it is working in our new Basic Skills program. I was
given a wide open slate to create this component and presented my ideas
to my peers on the curriculum writing committee and we tweaked it here
and there before beginning the program this summer. The
committee had about two and a half months to CREATE and come up with
the materials for all five skill levels. Students who are in the Basic
Skills program are required to do the following in the library before
they may advance to the next skill level: Read 3 books of their choice
from their reading level. After finishing each book, choose an activity
to do from a teacher made list to show they have read the book. The
activities range from advertising their book via computer art work, write
a blog, write a paragraph about one of the characters, (compare
themselves to the character) ask five questions of the author, Google for
more info about the setting or the character, rewrite the ending
…etc. There are about 12 activities on the list from which they may choose
and complete before they go on to their next book. Length of the
story came into play, and if the story is 200 pages or more,
they get credit for reading another book. We emphasize reading
for PLEASURE and it is a relaxed atmosphere with background music
playing. In addition to the above requirement, the student must attend 4
group lessons. This gives them a chance to interact with each other and
have discussions. The lessons are teacher made and give them practice in
reading skills. We meet our students one on one for orientation and edit
their work with them one on one. Their work is given a start date and a
completion date plus a teacher’s initial on every activity they do. These
records are in their folders along with their Library Contract. They have
already been assessed by a counselor to determine their reading level
before they begin their work in Basic Skills. The break down is: Skills 1
and 2 are ABE Skills 3, 4,5, are High School and they do receive
elective credits upon completion. Have fun condensing this info into a
blog!! I just thought it would help to give you an overall picture. This
is a sign in and sign out ……………..come as you
are……………type class.

Cheers,
Dorothy Hoyt