In chapter three, Reading Essential, Routman explains why teachers should share with students why they read. Hopefully, by doing so, students will sense that reading is important. Therefore, they may be more apt to read. I think this will work for some students but not all because some students do not like to read. Most of the time, it doesn't matter what tactics you use to hook them, some are not interested in reading.
According to Routman, not only should teachers share their reading with their students. They also should let students know the next book or series they will read next. This will send a message that reading is vital. Routman explained, "Students don't have to see us read each day, but they do need know we read and value reading. " I believe the best way to express this is reading before them. The students will know that teachers are passionate about reading. Hopefully, this will encourage students that do not like to read to read more.
As a parent, when my son was in elementary. I really knew the value of reading, but I fail to realize that it doesn't matter what students are reading. For example, my son loved to read books about football. I wanted him to read informational text. books. I was told by his teacher, it doesn't matter what he's reading, we just need to make sure he was reading. The light bulb came on for me I stopped pressuring him about reading various genres.
It's vital for teachers to explain to students how they choose books to read. Hopefully, this will help them when they are choosing books to read. Routman explained many ways teachers can share with students about how they choose books. For example, she stated, "A student's excitement about a book often compels me to read it."
I do agree that we should share our passion of reading with our students. I try to let them see my excitement over a book or magazine I am reading in hopes of motivating them more. They can probably tell you that I keep a book beside my bed at all times and read most nights before I go to bed. They can tell you that I love to read informational texts as well as magazines about rescuing animals. So he's, as long as they are reading it's all good. My students read menus, cereal boxes, telephone directories, newspaper ads, charts, books, notes, letters they've received and so on. When I'm excited about reading, they become excited. If I read a book from the classroom silently, then they all want to read it. I love to start the fire of becoming a reader!!!
ReplyDeleteI took the Spartanburg Writing Project (Dawn was one of the teachers and the class is fabulous!!) this summer and one of the tools we used was creating a "Bucket List" for various things we hoped to accomplish. Maybe you could get your students to make a "bucket list" of books or genres that they want to read this year? Be sure to create one and share yours too!
ReplyDeleteI really wish I was more passionate about reading on a personal level. I shop for books, even buy books. I have good intentions....
ReplyDeleteHi Annette,
ReplyDeleteYou brought up some great points Routman makes about practical ways we can help encourage and motivate students to read independently. I agree with you that an enthusiastic read aloud done with passion and with inquiry can really help students not only engage with that text but learn to love the enjoyable experience of reading. I've also learned from Routman to share books I am reading on my own. This doesn't mean I am reading aloud to them my devotions or my cookbooks but just sharing my next stack of books and how I pick them can not only be motivating but insightful to students about the process of proficient readers. You shared how your sons' elementary teacher shared how it doesn't matter what students read as long as they are reading a lot and enjoying it. There is a lot of truth to that. I've also known that many times an excited recommendation of a book from a friend will have me at Barnes and Noble when I normally wouldn't have given that cover a second glance. Thanks Annette!