Friday, June 20, 2014

Reading in the Wild: Why Reading Time at School Really Matters

About three years ago at New Years my husband decided he wasn't happy with his reading life.  He's an avid reader but felt like he wasn't reading enough.  So he set a goal to read 52 books in one year.  To some, that may be simple.  But to him, a reader of mega non-fiction books and thick fiction chapter books, this was somewhat of a lofty goal.  Since that year, he has yet to reach his goal.  But he keeps a reading log and pushes on.  This doesn't discourage him or frustrate him.  It motivates him.  And he keeps on reading, starting over each year... thus is the life of a reader.  


Chapter 1 of Reading in the Wild has really opened my eyes to things that were right in front of me.  Coming from a reading family, I thought it was the "norm" to read while waiting for things like the doctor or to keep a reading log of what you've read.  Miller shows us in Chapter 1, however, that this is not the case.  Thinking like this must be taught and practiced.  Just this morning I was waiting at the doctor's office and was delighted that I had a few moments to read my book. Now our students must start thinking the same. 


I adore how chapter 1 is focused around the importance of not just modeling reading or teaching reading strategies, but the importance of modeling loving reading.  Miller provides a "pedagogical base for her approach to teaching reading" (introduction by Teri S. Lesesne).  Miller wants her students to not only love reading, but she also wants "them to understand why reading matters to their lives" (intro), creating readers who have an understanding of reading that isn't solely focused on how to answer test questions or write a book report. 

What shocked me the most (and I guess I had known all along *doh*) was that part of being a good reader is very simple- choosing books.  Years ago my parents got me a Kindle for my birthday.  I had always considered myself a reader, but all of a sudden I had complete access to books all the time.  I could finish a book at the eye doctor, find a new one on my Kindle, and have it downloaded within three minutes (true story).  Suddenly, I was a different reader.  I was devouring books like I never had before.  And I was 25.  Imagine if I had had this type of access and knowledge when I was a student.  Miller stresses the importance of being able to recommend and find the right book for readers.  This means, we as teachers, must be equally knowledgeable about them- capable of discussing and sharing moments as professional readers.  By doing this, we show our students that readers not only read, but they know where they can capture moments to read and what type of books will hold their interest. 


I am so exited to continue reading this book!  Have you started?  Be sure to grab the book and join in on the conversation with Catherine!!  I look forward to hearing the thoughts of others!



8 comments:

  1. Books do make waiting rooms a lot more tolerable, don't they?! :)

    I also have to throw in an "A-MEN!" on the tablet love. As a wild reader, I hated finishing a book when I didn't have a back-up ready to go. Kindles, iPads and Nooks have totally remedied this problem!

    One of my goals is to read more kid lit so that I can have more books in my brain to recommend to my students. I'm hoping to start tackling that goal next week!

    Abby
    Third Grade Bookworm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so in love with my Kindle!! I do wish all my students could have one too so that they could experience that immediate satisfaction from downloading a new book in the waiting room :) There's nothing worse than finishing a great book and then not having access to another one right away! #firstworldproblems

      Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. I totally agree, we have to know our classroom libraries well so we can recommend just right books and high interest books to our students. I am very fortunate to have an extensive classroom library (I could never read every book in my classroom!), so if I haven't read it myself I rely on other students' opinions and suggestions too. I love reading everyone's ideas and perspectives on this chapter...so many great tips!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that time of the year when students are excited about their reading and they can't stop sharing their recommendations and reviews- aren't they just the best judge of books?! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. I completely agree! I have the kindle app on my ipad and iphone. It has totally changed me as a reader. I devour fiction books on there. However, for me, anything nonfiction still needs to be in a paper format so I can highlight and note on the pages.

    Misty
    Think, Wonder, & Teach

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha isn't that the truth, Misty?? I love how easy it is to download books but I hate not having the ability to highlight, mark, and tag nonfiction books. Most of my "teacher" books must still be hard copies. Thank you for stopping by!!

      Delete
  4. I had always said I didn't "need" a Kindle, but ohmygoodness, now, I'm not sure.....EGAD. How much do you use it everyday? Any tips or suggestions??? :)

    Thanks so much for joining, Kelly Anne! I can't wait to see you in Vegas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness Catherine, I highly recommend!! Like Misty mentioned above, I still rely on paperbacks about half of the time, but having my kindle is a great way to read. I was surprised by how much I love it. It's easy to carry around, you can share any purchased book (my mom and I have the same account and share all our books which is amaazing!), they're so easy to carry in your purse (and you have an entire library in there!), and it's back-lit so at night I can read in bed and not keep the light on :) I definitely use it every day. My husband just got a new one and it's waaay nicer than mine and cost about half the price of mine. Of course, nothing can replace the *smell* of a new book- but I still would recommend a kindle!

      Thanks so much for stopping by- I'm really looking forward to the rest of our book club!! Happy Monday!!

      Delete