One of my favorite times of the day that I refuse to give up no matter what the state/district tells me I have to squeeze in is my daily read aloud. I love it; the students love it. It is the perfect time to see skills and ideas we are learning in our HM reading series in real life, so to speak.
Usually I choose what book to read. However, I let my students choose the current book. At some point one student discovered this book in the library and it soon began spreading around the room like wildfire. It was all the talk. Students were sharing it, borrowing, asking the librarian to put it on hold for them...boys and girls alike. They practically begged me to read it. What teacher could resist kids begging for a book?!
So I began reading the book...OMG when will this book end? I can usually find the bright side in anything, but this book...ugh... It is a basic adolescent book. Tomboy Madison watches all her friends becoming girly girls; she just wants to wear her cutoffs and play little league baseball. She develops a crush on teammate Tommy. She watches her beautiful neighbor's relationship with a washed up music star. Sounds like... just what kids like.
So what's my problem? To start with there is a quite a lot of kissing and boob talk. Not fun reading that with expression and excitement to a class full of 6th graders. Also, the story line is just confusing to me. It often seems to jump to a new scene almost without warning. The characters aren't developed...I just don't like it.
I do like the students' attentiveness while I read. They are INTO it!!! I tried to get out of it. I polled the class to see if they are enjoying it and following the story line. And they all said yes. I asked just the boys. And the BOYS said yes! I think for them it is a peak into the world of girls.
So I am still reading it. And I will finish reading it. Hopefully soon. However, I still take advantage of the teachable moments using the figurative language and characterization, and we are able to make comparisons and connections to real life. I'm making the best of it and looking forward to the next book I'll share.
What about you? Have you ever gotten into a lesson or book that you hated but the students loved? How did you make the best of it?