The first thing on Routman's list is to demonstrate that I am a reader while I believe she may be speaking about the student demonstrating they are a reader, I interpreted this as the teacher demonstrating they are a reader as well. I think it is important that a student views themselves as a reader and one of the ways that students learn is by example. As a teacher I think it is important to show a love in reading and to lead by example for your class. This can be seen as part of the optimal learning model as well as the teacher is modeling the behavior they want to see from their students. I think it is important that students see their teacher reading a variety of books and also discussing them with the class. Leading by example is one of the best ways that I think teachers can instill a love of reading in their students.
Routman also stated on her top five list that teachers should Provide an excellent classroom library. I think this is one of the most important things that a teacher can do for her students. Having a large library full of options for students ensures that every student will find a book that they are interested in reading about. I believe it is so important that a teacher provides students with many options of different books for them to read. Getting a student to read lies in finding the right book for them. Once a child finds a book that they are interested in and passionate about reading becomes fun. I love roaming through Barnes and Noble on the weekends because I am presented with so many options for new books to read. I want my students to feel like they have a Barnes and Noble in their classroom. I want to give students the time to share the books that they have enjoyed, and create a place for the "top 10 books" for the class. I believe it letting students shop around and find a book that they love and once they do reading will no longer be considered a chore but an interest. Having a library full of books will help ensure that I can make this happen.
The third thing Routman stated that I believe is important to having students become excellent readers is Let students choose books they want to read and give them time to read them. I believe it is important for students to find that "just right book" for their reading level, but at the same time sometimes students find books that are not at their level but they still have that desire to read them. I never want to ruin that desire to read. I saw this a lot dyad placement this fall. Students would want to read the same books as their friends were, but sometimes these students were at a lower reading level than their friends. My teacher gave these students the opportunity to read these books but also had them find a book that was at their level as well. My teacher also allowed 3o minutes of reading time two days a week for her students. She required they read 60 minutes a day, and thought by giving them some time in class to read it would help making this goal more attainable. Children have so many things going on after school, for many there are extracurricular activities, or going to afternoon childcare. When I was in college I nannied for a family and I often did not pick the children up until 5. I would then rush them to ballet, soccer, girl scouts, and gymnastics. By the time we got home it was 6:30 and then I rushed to make them dinner. This left little time for homework some nights since they had to take baths and have some time to rest before heading to bed around 8:30. Giving my students time to read in class doesn't make it a chore like it could be at 7:30 at night when all the want to do is relax after a long day, but it becomes enjoyable. I also think that it is important to read with your students during this time. As I stated above I believe it is important to lead by example. I know teacher cherish reading time so that they can catch up on grading work or answer emails but I think it is important to show that you cherish this time to read and enjoy your book as well.
Giving students many options in your classroom library, the chance to read the books they want to read (even if it's not at their level) and giving them time to enjoy reading as well as leading by example can help ensure that students become excellent readers.
You note your confusion over whether Routman is referring to herself or her students when she includes on her list "demonstrate that I am a reader." I think both are important. In my blog Under the Apple Tree I talk about how I have seen teachers model their reading life for kids and how I think it needs to go one step further. I think we need to ask our students to share their reading lives with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa
ReplyDeleteI think that "leading by example" is one of the most powerful tools that teachers have available to them. Showing that you are a reader who loves all kinds of reading material is an important model - and also a way to bond with kids who have the same kinds of interests as you. (Sometimes I would read the same books as my difficult kids as one way to have a real conversation with them -- and when you can find a book for a child that matches that particular child's interests - what a gift!) I agree with Yvonne that sharing reading lives is most effective when it goes two-ways. Often kids have reading lives at home (comics, magazines, fantasy, web searches) that we as teachers don't even imagine. In terms of classroom libraries -- I can see that there will be a lot of garage sales and library book sales in your future!
Mel,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the fact that one of the best ways to teach your students how to be a good reader is to demonstrate that you are a reader. This is something I fully intend to do in my classroom. I like the idea of having a sheet taped to my desk and each week filing in what book I read. I think this is a good way to show your students that you are reading and it also keeps you accountable and forces you to read each week.
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