Tovani Chap 2 Response

Tovani, C. (2004). Do I really have to teach reading?: Content comprehension, grades       6-12. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.

Summary: The second chapter of this book talks about asking the question “so what?” This refers to getting students to think more about why they are learning the things they are and how it is useful. Tovani also mentioned that teachers are having too many things that they have to cover, and need to step back and pick out the important things to cover.

            One of my favorite questions to ask in school is “so what?” because I do not like learning things that I will not have to use. I think it is a waste of time and it is hard for me to put a lot of time and effort into it if I really do not need to know it. It is very important for teachers to ask themselves why the things they are teaching are important for the students to know and how can they use it in life.  Tovani say, “Ask yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ and ‘How will it help students think, read, or write more thoughtfully about my content?’” (2004). When students know how something can be useful, they are more inclined to listen and want to learn more. Teacher should tell their students the importance of everything they are teaching. I thought that the idea of a double-entry journal is great for answering the “so what” question. I think that the double entry can really help with student’s comprehension and getting them more into the story they are reading. I do not see myself using a double entry for my math students, but it is something that I can think about as a teacher when I am answering the “so what” question for myself.