This chapter did make me stop and think about my own reading life. I do enjoy reading, but unfortunately my crazy busy life doesn't allow much time for it. Usually my bible,online articles, reading for class/school and a quick magazine are about all I seem to be able to get into these days. However I do love to go to places like Barnes & Noble and browse the different books. Typically I end up buying something for my children! Truthfully I enjoy reading to my children more than just reading alone. I do believe showing and modeling a love of reading to my students is important, and I have been reflecting on how I do that, and ways I can improve that strategy. I often times discuss a book I read or what my favorite books were when I was a kid. I read one of my favorites to them over the course of a couple of weeks, and it was crazy to see how many of them have checked it out of the library since then! More than me, my students are very interested in what my children like to read. Any time I bring a book from home that belongs to my children, they can't wait to get their hands on it. This also shows my children that we have a personal library at home, which is something I of course would love for all of my students to have. One thing I don't do that the book encourages, is mentioning my favorite authors. I guess I assumed they wouldn't be interested, but I can see how this will encourage them to get to know the authors of books they love. One other suggestion that I love is creating a book club based on favorite author/book and mixing with other classes! I believe our students would love this. I am hoping I can get my grade level on board. I like how she suggests having students keep up with their reading at home instead of having parents sign off on it. I feel like if the students have to own it, it is more meaningful to them. Again this chapter really made me step back and reflect on what ways I share my enjoyment of reading with my students. There are lots of ways I connect with them on a personal level, but I took away a lot of ideas I am eager to implement in my classroom.
Jenny Blanton
The best sales pitch for a book comes from someone who knows, which is why I still read as many children's books as possible. They are quick and easy to read, after all they are well below my personal grade level! I can then talk with students about what they are reading and what I am reading as fellow readers. One project I would love is to have a book club for teachers reading books appropriate for our students. Then we would have the motivation and support as readers and be able to share that with our students in a very personal, meaningful way.
ReplyDeleteSharing your reading life through your own children sounds like it really engages your students!
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