READING

THOUGHTS ON READING

As we begin to roll along with our routines, students will be given more time in class to read their selections. If students were unable to find a book that interests them in our school library, there is a fairly extensive classroom library from which students are encouraged to borrow books.

Students are encourage to read for at least 20 minutes every day. We all have busy families and understand that finding even 20 minutes a night to complete tasks (even reading) can be a challenge; however, the benefits of finding this time is huge (see the graphic below).

Reading Logs vs Book Reviews

I will not be sending home reading logs or other tracking devices as it is difficult to monitor for students, parents, and teachers. Furthermore, these logs are often incomplete and do not paint a true picture of a child’s reading capabilities (we both admit to quickly signing off on our own children’s reading logs without knowing if what was written there was actually true!). We want students to read for enjoyment and to just fill out a log or to meet a reading “quota”.

So rather than logging time spent reading, I am asking students to help share the titles of great books (and not so great books) with other students. I am hoping that students will take a minute to fill out the Book Review link once they have completed a book. This will help me track the students’ favourite books and purchase new books that students want to read!

Reviews are authentic ways to share opinions. We use reviews in our own life when looking to purchase new books, appliances, video games, and other items. Therefore, I hope to teach students how to use recommendations and the opinions of others to help them make educated decisions.

So every evening and weekend, I hope that students (and parents) take some time to curl up with a good book and enjoy!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”– Dr. Seuss

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.”