WELCOME TO DAY THREE
OF CAMP CREATIVE
So you're building your library, and you're ready to roll out a First Chapter Friday program. What else can you do to build a culture of reading in your classroom?
Today we're talking about two fundamentals - taking time in class to read (and the research that supports it) and incorporating book talks into your reading program.
First things first, let me share some helpful articles that you can provide to administrators, co-workers or parents as needed to help them get on board with your program.
These articles come from three amazing educators, educators at the forefront of the choice reading movement: Jennifer Gonzalez, Donalyn Miller, and Pernille Ripp. There are plenty of other sources you could turn to - Nancy Atwell, Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle, Berit Gordon - but these make a great start.
How to Stop Killing the Love of Reading from Jennifer Gonzalez
I've Got Research. Yes, I do. I've got Research, How About You? from Donalyn Miller, "The Book Whisperer"
Be a Reader Leader - What Administrators Can Do to Promote a Reading Culture from Pernille Ripp
Probably the most essential thing you can do with your choice reading library is give kids time to read in class. Without at least some time in class, you won't know if your students are cracking open their books, and you won't know if they've made good choices.
People do this in many different ways, and you'll know best what works for your classroom. Personally, I've opted for a once-a-week reading time that is a bit longer (15-20 minutes) rather than a short daily read.
During your in-class reading time, you can read with your students, but you want to be ready to do one vital thing: Keep an eye out for kids who are obviously disinterested in their book. When someone is not flipping pages, or looks glazed, or isn't even looking at their book, walk over and ask how they like the book they've chosen. Then, assuming they don't like it at all, walk over to the library with them and help them to choose something else. In-class reading time is partly a chance to kids to fall in love with their books and realize they want to read them at other times too, and partly a chance for you (and/or their friends, as your reading culture builds) to help guide them to the right books.
Another important way to help build the reading culture in your classroom is through book talks. Book talks will help kids find the books that are right for them, and it will also encourage bookish conversations between you and your students and between them.
A book talk is just a quick pitch for a book. You wander over to your shelf, pick up a book your students will love, and tell them why you think they'll love it.
"Today I want to tell you a bit about one of my recent favorites, Ghost, by Jason Reynolds. If you loved his book, Long Way Down, when we read it in the fall, you'll probably love Ghost too.
It's about a boy who ends up on a track team by accident and turns out to be quick as can be. But he's got a lot to run from, and he doesn't quite know how to handle all the parts of his life. It's a fast read, and the first in a series of four great books."
You can give two or three book talks before every reading time in your class (and even on other days), to help encourage kids to try new books. Then, as kids begin to find books they love, you can encourage them to offer booktalks to the class when they return a book. You can also bring in guest book talkers - teachers, parents, coaches, seniors, etc. - to share for a minute about their favorite book in your library.
Check out the video below for an example!
Tomorrow, we'll be talking about a few fun extras to add to your reading program, like book tastings, reading contests, bookish bulletin boards, and more, so keep an eye on your inbox!
