Recently, a vocally reluctant reader (Think: a student declaring loudly the first week of school, "No offense, Ms. Barbour, but I hate reading and I will never like it.") said they were angry with me. "I didn't even watch TV last night because you gave me a book I actually like and I couldn't put it down."
I could have happily left the teaching profession after that because, truly, what could be better than hearing those words from that student?
I have decided to remain a teacher, but I have also decided I have to spill my strategies for creating a robust and successful independent reading program.
So, here are my TOP FIVE must-do components for any classroom:
Read a lot of young adult and middle grade books. A few years ago, my PD goal for the year was to become more well-versed in books my students enjoy. I wanted to be able to recommend books to them authentically and quickly. I started following #yareads on IG, noting what other ELA teachers were hyped about, and scoured the YA section at my local bookstores to see what was popular.
Give book talks regularly. At least once a week, I talk about one or two books I have recently come across. About every other week, I do a longer set of talks over 6-8 books. Every second and fourth Monday, my class goes to the library where the librarian gives extensive talks about a wide range of books. For each of these, students have their TBR list in front of them so they can track what books sounds interesting.
Kids need a TBR list. One of my goals is to instill in students that they should always have their "next up" book in mind. This prevents them from backsliding into not reading. Plus, it feels good to take away the stress of trying to find a good book when they have a list of potential novels that have piqued their interest in the past. (Click here to get your own copy of the TBR handout I give my students.)
Build in time to read during class. For me, this is 10-20 minutes out of my 45 minute class periods. (The time varies based on the day's lesson plan.) I also allow students to go to the library, if needed, during this time.
Just let 'em read. Truly, let them read what they want and respect their choices.
While students are reading, I walk around with my clipboard and note:
what they are reading
what page they are
what they think about the characters, conflict, plot, etc.
This is one way I keep them accountable, but it also allows me to get to know them as readers. Through our conversations, I can see what they are ready to
learn and what support they still need.
Overall, to make your reluctant readers into ravenous readers, your attitude and openness to the books they enjoy is key.
My goal with incorporating independent reading into my classroom is to teach literary analysis skills and reading strategies through the vehicle of their choice books. So that means I have to plan lessons that allow them to apply skills to whatever book they have in their hands. Ready to see how I schedule this into my week? Just click here for my weekly schedule.
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