All posts filed under: independent reading

15 Ways to Bring More Reading Into the Classroom

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Independent reading is at the core of my teaching.  As a class we read 3 texts together–two novels and one Shakespeare play–and the rest of what students learn center around books of their choice. I had this shift in perspective about 5 years ago when I realized that my students were reading very little, including the required books that the district set forth.  I wanted students to fall in love with reading, to see just how rewarding it could be.  Once independent reading was implemented, my students read more than I ever imagined.  If your students are struggling with reading, or they read but you know they should be reading more, give any of these ideas a try. 1.  Speed Date Looking to have students try different genres and authors?  Try this. I do this at the beginning of each year and when we begin book clubs. It’s a fun way to have students try new genres and authors. 2.  Book talks / book trailers Every Monday, I book talk a book or two that I …

Independent Reading Assignments

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Have you ever read a book where, after you finished, you just couldn’t stop thinking about it?  I just finished reading Vincent and Theo and it has moved me.  So beautifully written about a man who has been largely misunderstood.  As I have been reading through this book the past few weeks, I shared what I was learning with my parents, my husband, and my walking partner.  Van Gogh’s story is fascinating, and so much of it I didn’t know, especially about the bond with his brother.  I didn’t even know Vincent Van Gogh had a brother. When my students choose their own books to read, they not only bring in their experiences as a reader, but their excitement to share what they’re learning.  It’s contagious watching their faces light up discussing what they are currently loving.  Required independent reading is a mix of enjoying books for fun and demonstrating understanding of literary terminology.  They’re reading for pleasure but also critically, to be able to write about characterization, author’s craft, imagery, tone.  They’re creatively writing as …

Speed Date with a Book

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School had been in session for a few days and we were ready to start reader’s/writer’s workshop.  How do you choose a book?  I pose this question to my students, with a picture of a woman staring at a large bookshelf filled with books. Hands start going up.  I find books by my favorite author, says one.  My friend is an avid reader, so I ask her what she’s reading.  That’s how I get so many good recommendations, says another.  My favorite genre is fantasy, so I look for that sticker on the spine, chimes in one more. How many of you have a what-to-read-next list?  About 1/3 of the class raises their hand. How many of you have a hard time reading a book that isn’t by your favorite author or a genre you really enjoy? Most of the students raise their hands. Have you ever thought about what life would be like without books?  Many give me a puzzled look.  It’s then that I show them this video from StoryCorps.  It’s powerful and all about books …

March Book Talks

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I read some really great books last month that I’d like to recommend to you.  All of these novels are considered Young Adult, but they appeal to more than just teens.  Being an English major, if you told me that someday I would read YA lit (and actually like it) I would have laughed heartily.  However, if you haven’t given one a chance yet, I would urge you to try one. Book—Piecing Me Together Genre–Realistic Fiction Summary–Jade is a poor, African-American attending a private high school through an academic scholarship.  She decides to be a part of a program tilted Woman to Woman, a mentoring program for high school girls.  Through the woman she is being mentored by, Jade learns more about her strengths, talents, and how to be true to herself when she doesn’t feel like she fits in. Why I liked it–This book was beautifully written, and although it’s been two decades since I’ve been in high school, I really resonated with the main character.  Watson does a great job with characterization and seeing …

February Book Talks

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This past month, I read four books that I would like to share with you.  Some of the books I read are more “adult,” (and I guess you could argue what that really means), but many are young adult books, as I give book talks to my 8th graders often.  They’re not into “adult” books.  I thought the fantasy/dystopia fad would taper off among YA books, but based on my students’ reading habits, this genre is far from going anywhere. I try to read a variety of genres, as my students read a wide range as well.  The following four books fall into fantasy, mystery, autobiography, and realistic genres. Book—The Lie Tree Summary:  Set in England at the turn of the century, teenager Faith Sunderly and her family has had to leave prestigious London for the small town of Vale, all on account of something her father has done.  As the truth of why the family had to leave in haste comes to light, Faith’s father is murdered.  It is when she tries to figure …