Reading Aloud

I'd like to start off by saying that I am a big proponent of reading aloud in class. I think it serves a purpose and should be implemented more often. That being said, I had an experience just last week that made me re-think my stance. My 12th grade class is reading Frankenstein, and lucky me, I get to plan the unit out and get it done by December 10th. I have come to the conclusion that in order to make this deadline, reading must be done in class. Luckily for me, though, I get to teach in the block schedule so I have plenty of time. So, last Wednesday the class and I had just finished reading Letters 3 and 4, and I hear a student mutter that this was boring. Now, one of the things I had never hoped to hear was those words. Boring? Ughh. So, over the weekend I mulled it over. Along with some ideas from fellow teachers, I came to the conclusion to be upfront with the students. Today I asked them what they thought about reading in class. I got mixed reviews. Some like it, some do not, some like it only if I read. Unfortunately, I did not really get a firm stance on where to go with it. I have come to the conclusion that reading in class MUST take place in order for us to meet the deadline of finishing. There is no other way to comply unless I believe that the students will read 15 pages a night-- I'm fairly optimistic but I wouldn't put money on it.

Starting next week I will be doing reading groups. Those that want to read on their own can on one side of the room, those that want to read aloud with me will go to another side. Each group will be given the same amount of time to finish the reading and we will come together to discuss as a class. This does bring up an issue with class management but I think if I plan it right, I can position myself in between the two groups to make sure each group is on task. I believe this will be my solution and it won't be done everyday--just when there is a lot of reading that needs to be done.

I don't know. I'll see how this works and adapt as I go.