Several of us at work read this as a book club during the winter/spring of 2007. The idea is that together we would investigate various reading strategies and share our successes and frustrations.

Interestingly, Strategies That Work mirrors a lot of what we as a district are moving towards with adopting our L.E.A.D.S. model in the middle school; namely, restructuring the language program to teach strategies rather than details and incorporating other disciplines (Social Studies and Science) as we do.

What has not been understood by many, it seems, is that teaching these reading strategies has been the hallmark of elementary school since I began teaching. Teaching reading strategies by modeling the skill is key for student understanding. With my reading groups we use two books: one I model the strategy in and in the other the students practice. This also satisfies the need/requirement to read aloud to students daily.

Strategies That Work is not revolutionizing. It is, however, a good compilation for the teacher who may not be familiar with various comprehensions strategies and how they can be implemented into one's lessons.

Many years ago a selection of this book was in the basal my school district used. I always liked the story, but never sought out the book to read the whole thing.

Now, many years later, I looked for a book to use as a read aloud for my reading groups. I read a book as a model for the different reading strategies I teach. I found this on the bookshelf and remembered how much I had enjoyed the selection and thought the students would enjoy it too.

The more I read of Betsy Byars, the more I realize how wonderful a writer she is. This is an enjoyable read.

Tom reluctantly visits his aunt and uncle's farm while his parents vacation in Europe. He is not excited about the farm, but all that changed when he sees the black fox for the first time.

Tom seeks out the fox and is enamored with her. But turmoil ensues as the fox begins snatching Aunt Millie's chickens and turkeys. Tom is beside himself as he and his uncle hunt for the fox's den.

The reading level is for older children, but the content is for toddlers. That is my daughter.

Despite Valentine's Day having been two and one-half months ago, Dora was selected tonight.

This is a flap board book, which is a nice way for a toddler to participate. Beetle is able tore-tell the story herself afterwards with the use of the flaps.

This book has a fabulous opening chapter. If one is not drawn to the story by the excitement read in the first 12 pages, I imagine he will not ever find excitement in the written word. Awesome!

The story is very compelling. I found the ending a bit disappointing. It felt as though time was up and the ending was imposed. Beforehand, however, this is a must-read.

The Foot Book may be my favorite Seuss book. It is certainly the most memorable.

Long ago when I waited tables at an up-scale restaurant, this book was kept beneath the hostess stand. The restaurant discouraged children, but for some guests, their children were permitted.

Anyhow, it become a custom on Saturday evenings for me to break out this book and read it to all the tables in my section. It was not uncommon for there to be a chorus line of diners putting their left feet, then their right, etc. as I read aloud to them.

What a tip whore I was! :)

Now, I read this to my children.