Wilhelm (2008) states, "...a new role for the teacher as one who will help familiarize students with all kinds of stories in various forms and with various content, and who will validate the reading of these materials. An important goal will be for students to learn to find and select the sorts of materials throughout their lives that will speak to their current needs, desires, and concerns," (p. 47).
The above quote really stuck out to me because of how much I agree with Wilhelm about the importance of introducing students to the plethora of literature types and content and then help them find something they can connect to, and therefore hopefully growing as an individual.
During my teacher observation, Chris started off each class on Fridays with a 15 minute silent reading time (SSR). Each student pulled out a book of their choosing and those who after a few pages decided it wasn't for them, unabashedly approached Chris for suggestions. He seemed to know each student and was able to help them decide on a book more keen to their interests.
I found an interesting article by Cathy Puett Miller discussing SSR in the classroom.
Sustained Silent Reading in the Classroom
Danielle, I decided about 3 years into my teaching career that I needed a library of books for students to read. I did SSR reading on Mondays (I loved it as a transition from weekend to school and, since I modeled by reading something I enjoyed as well, I really looked forward to it! Instead of spending the first 15 minutes of Monday classes scrambling from the weekend, I picked up a book and enjoyed reading :) Anyway, I started buying paperbacks that I liked and also short story collections. I went to the public library book sales and bought stuff. I also kept lots of magazines and Post Secret books (always a favorite among students) in the room. I found that lots of kids would forget to bring Monday reading materials, but they would borrow mine and sometimes ask to take them home so they could continue reading. I never regretted money I spend buying all those books! Eventually I started selling poptarts in my room ($1 for the breakfast of champions!) and using the money to buy more books.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to have some kind of a library in my classroom like you had! I do like SSR better on Monday's instead of on Fridays. Love the poptart idea haha!
DeleteI like that when you observed, your teacher allowed adequate SSR time. While I was in my classroom there was only roughly 5 minutes to read. Also, there was little to no books for students to access in the classroom. I know most teachers provide a library for their students, like Lindsay just said she did, but I still feel a somewhat large library should be provided. There needs to be more access to books in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's unfortunate for those students. Yes, libraries offer a plethora of resources for students that in my opinion are very important.
DeleteI was also one of those students who connected and engaged in (most of) the readings. It is hard to remember that not everyone is the same... I also really like the link you included here- these are helpful to see some benefits without having to do research with our own class completely by ourselves!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan!
Delete