Routman (2003) Ch.3- Share Your Reading Life
Sept. 30, 2015
I have always been a reader, and have always had a love for reading. It brought (and still brings) so much joy to me to just dive right into a good book. I am disappointed I haven't been reading for pleasure lately as much as a should. It is sad that not many students read for pleasure. To me it is very puzzling. Teaching a generation of students that don't read as much for fun as I do, it is very important for me to show my love for reading with my students. If I do that throughout the year, maybe, just maybe, I can turn some reading-haters to some reading-lovers.
One thing that I read that I really need to be reminded is to encourage our students to be reading all the time, and knowing what they want to read next before they even finish the book(s) they are working on completing. By doing this, it is also encouraging students to share their reading with others, talking about their book and sharing thoughts and opinions. I can think of at least one student right off the top of my head that really dislikes reading. This student is always zoning out when we are reading a book in class. One thing I learned is that I need to find out what he likes, get a book that relates, and get him started in reading. When people read what they enjoy, they grow a lot more and learn a lot more than books of the opposite. I also learned of the importance of "Book Talks", or providing the children opportunities to "sell" the book they are reading or have read. This gets students excited about reading, and seems to help promote a growth in reading because when students hear about a book their classmate or friend read, they are likely to want to read it to because of the recommendation.
I need to make sure that I am modeling reading appropriately, and just showing my love for reading with my students. Once I do this, I can ignite a flame in these precious children's lives to love reading as much as I do.
This was such a great read.... I definitely learned a lot!
I am rooting for you to turn some reading-haters in to reading-lovers!! Sounds like you already have a great plan to help that young man who is so reluctant to read!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI loved your goal in your post,"I want to turn reading-haters into reading lovers!" YES! I do too! I appreciated how much you got out of this article and the different strategies that author suggested that you want to try out in your classroom. You shared how you want to model reading for enjoyment and make time for mini-lessons that show students how to engage in book talks with each other, how to create a book list of what they've loved to read and what they want to read next. I can't wait to see you try out these strategies with your third graders! Thank you! You have me excited about motivating your students as readers! Thanks, Dawn