March Slice of Life Story Challenge
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Yesterday, I shared my (hopeful) worry about the developing readers I am privileged to work with every day. Yet, many of my readers are not readers on their own. I try my best to support them through this journey and wait and wait until the reading bug bites and I can't get their nose out of a book. But when reading already doesn't come easy (and in some instances reading is limited to a letter or a number) many of my students just don't choose to do it on their own.
Therefore, being a hopeful worrier, I won't sit by and let that happen.
I continue to encourage, talk about books, help pick good fit books with choice, and make reading plans. It was announced by my reading colleague and friend Chris on our weekly Book Talk Tuesday* program that the students will have nine days to read over spring break. Nine days? Yes, nine days! That should be a celebration!
But it's not for many of my students.
So, I decided I needed to help my readers create a plan for those nine days. I typed up a letter that they will address to themselves and together we will talk about the importance of continuing to read, even when we are not in school, even when I'm not there checking in on them, even when they will have a hundred and one other options of things to do over break.
This is not a new conversation. This is a continuing conversation.
This is not a new conversation. This is a continuing conversation.
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Here's the letter I wrote. Please share your thoughts to improve it!
Also, please feel free to use it as you wish: {Spring Break Reading}
Updated: {Spring Break Primary Reading Letter}
Updated: {Spring Break Primary Reading Letter}
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*Find out more about Book Talk Tuesday on our school news broadcast HERE,
We talk lots in our class about what defines you as a reader, and that what they do outside the walls of our classroom really shows who they are. But we do need to be realistic. One thing I do sometimes during breaks is make a proposal to the kids: for every book completed over break, they may choose any book they want to add to our classroom library. It gets expensive and the avid readers think it's funny, but the joy is you're adding more books that they're going to read ... And the first day back is filled with this wonderful sharing of real reading.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I was getting a bit hopeless with two of my boys seemingly immune to the reading bug, but your post encourages me not to give up.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to be proactive! Love that you are working on those "positive habits!"
ReplyDeleteI hope this is just what they need! Great positive attitude to never ever give up!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea to give the kids direction and choices. You can't ever give up - these kids need your positive attitude and guidance. Love ya, Mom
ReplyDeleteThat' a positive message for their reading brains!
ReplyDeleteWonderful invitation for those young readers. You write a realistic picture of so many readers, so many teachers' fears. But your message is also clear: we can't give up. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I did something similar over winter break- I just had them make some reading and writing goals. After break we had a conversation about which goals went well and which didn't. I always think that even if one kid read that wasn't going to - it was a success!
ReplyDeleteI love when ideas turn into reality! Can't wait to see the student goals, and then their reading! I wonder which classrooms are ready for this?!
ReplyDeleteTerrific lead on the reading plan!
ReplyDeleteI love this letter and appreciate how it allows for flexibility to honor their feelings, whatever they may be. It is great to have a plan and help set students up for success.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCathy