I found this article, The Challenge of Content Area Literacy: A Middle School Case Study, to be really interesting.  I can't believe that a middle school class would, like clockwork, come in, sit down, and read then write.  I know, after my past experience with being in a middle school, that must have been either a really great class or it took lots of patience and training to teach the children to be able to have that routine.  Especially with him being a first year teacher.  Once students figure out that you are new, they try to take advantage of you.  I know they can sense fear because I once sensed it when I had a new teacher growing up.

I feel that it is very important to incorporate reading into the other three main subjects besides English.  Reading strengthens your vocabulary and knowledge, and this is very important for students to be introduced to.  I like how this article teaches reading and writing in a science classroom.  Students need to be able to read, comprehend, and write in areas other than just English.  I particularly like the two main techniques John teaches to his class, RAFT and HEART.  These creative techniques spice up the usual boring things that are usually taught in English class to strengthen reading and writing skills. These techniques are also good because it teaches students that literacy extends farther than just an English class setting.  I know when I was growing up I associated essays with only my English classes. When I was asked to write something short for my science class, I couldn't comprehend HOW I was supposed to do it.  It did not come to me as easily as it did in English class. I thought it was weird that I was being asked to write something in a class other than English. I will definitely implement many of the techniques John teaches his class to mine one day!!