QUESTION: Anyone done a read-in before?

[Kimberly Hawks]

I just found out about this NCTE event and I am exploring my options about doing something in my classroom.  Has anyone done a read-in before? Or this particular one? What did you do for it?  I am debating about doing a little something like once a week, or reading a book together as a class throughout the month.  But I'm wondering if I'm going against the spirit of a "read-in".  Looking for a bit of guidance if anybody has some. If you haven't seen the link yet with this year's list and report card go here:http://www.ncte.org/action/aari/packetinfo

[Anna J. Small Roseboro]

This is really up to you.  The goal is to focus attention on the writing of African American writers. This program simply provides another reason to explore and study the contribution of African-American writers to the body of American Literature.  As a high school ELA teachers you can use this month to choose from this group of writers to practice the reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, and media arts viewing skills you already are required to teach.

You may decide to have your students choose, memorize and recite poems by African American writers during the month of February.  Or you may decide to set aside a day in class in which everyone comes  with a copy of writing by their chosen African-American writer and then dramatically reads a passage to a partner or small group.  Or, you may assign a play by an African-American writer that your class will study during February.  Here is link to my website with sample assignments for African American History Month.

If your students have access to resources, invite them to include a 50-75 biographical note about their poet or writer, prior to their recitation/performance.  Then, you'd have them practicing their research, writing, and presentation skills.  If you have artistic students, invite them to create a PPT or Prezi with music that supports and expands the mood of their literary selection.  A favorite jazz piece of mine is by Louis Armstrong and the Red Hot Jazz "West End Blues" that goes well with opening scenes from Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.

Your students also may enjoy sharing picture books by African American writers and artists.  Here's one of my favorites by Walter Dean Myers and his son, Christopher called Harlem. Click link to see book and hear Myers reading.

Then, afterwards, send in your report to NCTE.

This can be great fun - informative and inspiring.

[Kimberly Hawks]

This was so helpful Anna.  Thank you so much!!

[Janet Kenney]

We have a poetry-slam type event in my library.  My predecessor started it, but I run it like poetry slams I held while I was at another school. I pull a ton of books and encourage the teachers to prepare the students in advance.  

Basically, I invite 3 classes at a time to come into my library and students take turns coming to the front to read a favorite poem/passage/song to the other students.  The student jazz combo plays music and sometimes I offer raffle prizes for students willing to read (usually something like a candy bar).  The last few years, I made a program/booklet of common poems so students would have something to read, but I've gotten tired of hearing the same poems all day long :/  I'm rethinking it. 

Some blocks, it goes well, some it doesn't.  If it is slow, the teachers will usually step in and read.

Good luck and keep it simple to start with.  I'm sure you'll learn a lot from just trying some things and reflecting on them.

[Anna J. Small Roseboro]

Janet, perhaps you could work with the teachers to help prepare students before they come.  For example, you could invite the history teachers to include an assignment of sorts for which students choose Af-Am poets from different states, or from specific historical periods.  Your English teachers could offer class "points" for dramatic readings by pairs or triads.  A couple of poems that work well include "On the Pulse of the Morning" by Maya Angelou, "The Creation" by James Weldon Johnson", "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes, "In the Depths of Solitude" by Tupac Shakur.

You may even invite students to choose a poem by a poet who names begins with the first letter of their first or last name.  This will give the students a little "connection" with the poets.

See some ideas at this link: Celebrate and Educate.

Also, do keep in mind that some of the poems you hear over and over are brand new to the students.  So, please keep up the good work.