Day Four: Ignite the Passion for Reading with Access to Books
If students don’t have books to read, they cannot read books. I’m going to take this opportunity to promote Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp. This title helps teachers learn why they should and how they can provide books to students.
I started with the school library (when I was a student and again when I became a teacher). Students can use the library to check out books — read, return, repeat — during the school year. School libraries usually partner with the larger community public libraries, as well. There are summer reading programs for kids in most communities. Also remember to mark the school book fair dates on your calendar. Check out the local yard sales (My mom is always shopping for books for me and my students). Some cities have teacher stores that include books to give away to students. These are just a few ideas to get started.
Once kids have access, they have ways to read. They can find themselves lost in the pages of a book, and find the passion for reading.
(Don’t forget to look for audio books, too. Use those earbuds for a good reason!)
*****
This blog series, All Kinds of Readers, addresses ways teachers cope with the “I-don’t-like-to-read” readers. I have struggled with this for years. I’ve read, researched, and read some more. (I love to read!) How can I get students to find the passion, the joy of reading? Join me as I try to find solutions that work. Add your comments and questions to the conversation. Welcome to the blog!
Reading Teacher Writes 