Hello, Berkeley County!
The other day I came across a fabulous book by Danny Brassel entitled 75+ READING STRATEGIES. I had the fabulous opportunity at last year's summer institute to listen to this inspirational author. He often asks this question of educators across the world: "What good is it to teach a child to read if they never want to read?" That question is always in the back of my mind as I prepare my classroom environment and my lesson plans. We all have struggling readers who will never get much better if they do not find enjoyment in reading. It is our responsibility, at all grade levels, to inspire reading in all children. It is not an easy task, but it is a challenge that involves commitment and creativity. I would like to share my top ten favorite strategies that I enjoy in my classroom. Some of these ideas I have acquired through trial and error. Some strategies have been borrowed from my wonderful colleagues over the years. Lastly, some are found in Danny Brassell's book. I hope you enjoy the list, and I hope you can find at least one new idea you will choose to implement.
1. THE MYSTERY READER PROGRAM: Invite carefully selected members from the community to read short inspirational stories to your students. Be sure to invite a variety of guests like athletes, politicians, poets, parents, high school students, scientists, dentists, doctors, musicians, beauty queens, and anybody else that you think would relate to your students. It gives the message to your students that EVERYBODY READS and community members really do care. Require the students to write thank you notes to incorporate writing and proper etiquette as well. You will find that attendance will improve on those days. It is a fun day for all!
2. THE BOOK FAIRY: Encourage the community to donate books of all levels to your classroom. Keep them in a hidden stash. Once a month carefully choose a book to match the interests of each child. When the students are out of the room, put a note on your door from the book fairy. Leave the book with a personalized bookmark from the book fairy on each desk. The students are able to keep the books and many are excited to read. Don't forget to sprinkle fairy dust and occasionally leave your wings behind!
3. READERS THEATER SCRIPTS: This is a great way to allow the students to practice fluency and to read with expression. Everybody loves to act! It is just a great way to boost confidence and reading levels!
4. INTERNET WEB QUESTS; Don't forget that the computer allows ample opportunities to read. Our students may often view books as out dated and dull, but they will thrive when given meaningful projects on the computer.
5. READ WHILE STUDENTS READ: Provide at least thirty minutes a day to allow students to read. Many students will only read while they are at school. When the students are reading the teachers need to read as well. Teachers must model the excitement and the enjoyment for their students. It is not a time to get caught up on your paper work. You must enjoy the reading time as well.
5. BOOK BUDDIES: If you are at a school with several grades, allow the students to read to each other. You may also encourage students to read to the principal, retired people from the community or parent volunteers. Provide a fun place to read.
6. DIGITAL RETELLING: Allow students to work with groups to create PowerPoints and oral presentations of their favorite books. Video tape these and broadcast them on your school morning news.
7. PROVIDE A VARIETY OF READING MATERIAL: Don't forget about the value of magazines and newspapers. Share local news and display newsworthy articles your bulletin boards. The students will be learning about current events while they are enjoying reading.
8. FAMILY READING NIGHTS: Demi Lewin from Rosemont has made a tradition of S'More reading night. It is a fabulous way to involve the whole community into a night full of reading, fun and s'mores. It is an enjoyable night for all!
9. CHARACTER PARADES: Allow time for book talks and character parades. The students enjoy role playing the parts of their favorite characters.
10. POETRY, JOKES, and RIDDLES: Never underestimate the power of humor! Students of all levels will always enjoy a good laugh!
Well, that is all for now. Just remember: "LOVE YOUR JOB. LOVE YOUR KIDS. LOVE READING!"
Dottie Pownall
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