Last Tuesday we had a fantastic trip to J.W. Cook Elementary in Chicago, where we visited with Caity Tully’s 4th grade class who told us in no uncertain terms they wanted–needed–more Wireman!

We captured great video interviews with both the kids and Caity. who has been teaching for almost ten years.  One of the most striking points Caity made is what a struggle it is to find literature that can embrace both her below- and above-grade level readers.  Teaching to a class that contains readers way behind grade level can frustrate the more experienced readers; but Caity pointed out the joy of having a full-class literature discussion on metaphors, sequencing and prediction with all her students.  Why? Because those low-level readers are ‘reading’ and decoding the illustrations, often with much greater facility than the more accomplished readers.

Caity will tell you more about it.  Watch for the video soon!

P.S. Note how intently this young reader is searching for clues in Wireman….  Thank you, Caity, for welcoming us into your classroom and for your dedication.  Next stop Palmer Park Preparatory in Detroit, Michigan.