Wow! As I read Routman’s chapter titled “Share
Your Reading Life” I was immediately brought to the thought of my own
children. I love to read. I love to get
cozy in my bed when everyone else is asleep and read a book. However, that is just it..I either don’t have
time to read at home (especially during the school year) or I read when
everyone is asleep so my children do not see me read. Now we have lots of books in our home. I have read to both of my children since they
were infants yet they have not seen ME read for pleasure. Sometimes, I feel that this is the reason why
my son would rather do lots of other things at home than read. In addition, as I read this chapter I was
also thinking about my classroom of first graders. I feel that I do a good job of sharing my
favorite books such as Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary as well as
favorite authors such as Diane DeGroat and Kevin Henkes. Throughout the year, I read these books
during our shared reading time which spark the students’ interests in reading
them independently and even checking them out from the library. I try my best
to share my enthusiasm for reading and I see that enthusiasm reciprocated back
from my students.
Several
components that I would like to include in my independent reading time are mini
book clubs and reading records. I feel that having the students share a
favorite book or part of the book with a partner would be a fun way for my
students to discuss their books and give me insight into their comprehension of
the text. Also, I like the idea of the
students keeping an independent reading record listing the title, author and
genre. The reading record would give my students and me information on their
reading interests as well as the genres they are frequently reading. I enjoyed reading this chapter because it
gave many useful suggestions for my students’ independent reading time. As
Routman stated, “While excellent teaching is essential, without time to
practice and read extensively, students will not become readers”.
Rhiannon - I think it would be a great idea to have the children keep a reading journal/log and have an opportunity to share what they've read. You have many vocal students and this would really channel their conversation. You could even take grades from this once you and the children establish what this time should look like!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhiannon,
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to try out a reading record with your students. Many teachers across the district are trying out the padlet digital reading log and there are many options for structuring this so that it could tailor to your students' needs and interests. I would love to help! Thanks, Dawn