I finished Reading in the Wild by Donalyn Miller late last night. I am thrilled beyond belief that I read this book. I have worked hard this year to develop a community of readers in my classroom, and to share my passion for reading. I have whispered books to my students, and have introduced new books via book talks and "speed dating." When I ordered books with Scholastic Book Club points or chose books at our school's book fair, I have specific students in mind who would love to read them. My classroom library is growing by leaps and bounds, and I am thrilled when students peruse their shelves, looking for their next book. Most importantly, I have been reading more than ever (including reading aloud to my students every day), and I enjoy sharing what I am reading with them. My classroom door boasts the books I have read, and am currently reading.
Back to this book...it has inspired me to strengthen my reading community in ways I never thought of...going beyond my classroom walls. It's not enough that students are reading and being read to in school. What about their habits outside of school? Ideas like charting where they read for one week, and discussing reading binges (one of mine was the final Harry Potter book because I didn't want to read about how it ended before I had a chance to experience it myself). I carry a book with me everywhere I go, finding those few minutes here and there to sneak in some reading time. Do my students do this?
I will be having the students "blind date" a book or two this week to preview some new titles I ordered. Since I had my students in mind when I ordered, I will be playing matchmaker. Hopefully, many will find that they want to continue dating their book. If not, they might suggest the book to a friend who is looking for their next book. Either way, they should find many new titles to add to their "to be read" lists.
I have been following Donalyn on Twitter for a while, but reading this book inspired me to add renewed focus on reading habits outside of school that I can foster when they are with me. I am a wild reader, and I want my students to be wild readers, too!
*Since I had never read Bar Code Tattoo, I devoured the first book in the series today, and plan to grab the next one, Bar Code Prophecy, from my classroom library tomorrow. I have a few students in mind who would love this book and I can't wait to talk with them.
Back to this book...it has inspired me to strengthen my reading community in ways I never thought of...going beyond my classroom walls. It's not enough that students are reading and being read to in school. What about their habits outside of school? Ideas like charting where they read for one week, and discussing reading binges (one of mine was the final Harry Potter book because I didn't want to read about how it ended before I had a chance to experience it myself). I carry a book with me everywhere I go, finding those few minutes here and there to sneak in some reading time. Do my students do this?
I will be having the students "blind date" a book or two this week to preview some new titles I ordered. Since I had my students in mind when I ordered, I will be playing matchmaker. Hopefully, many will find that they want to continue dating their book. If not, they might suggest the book to a friend who is looking for their next book. Either way, they should find many new titles to add to their "to be read" lists.
I have been following Donalyn on Twitter for a while, but reading this book inspired me to add renewed focus on reading habits outside of school that I can foster when they are with me. I am a wild reader, and I want my students to be wild readers, too!
*Since I had never read Bar Code Tattoo, I devoured the first book in the series today, and plan to grab the next one, Bar Code Prophecy, from my classroom library tomorrow. I have a few students in mind who would love this book and I can't wait to talk with them.