Share Your Reading Life

Too often we as teachers do a lot of “teaching” but fail to do much “sharing”.  I had many favorite book series as a child, and I remember my parents needing to come back in my room and turning off the light because I was reading late into the night.  I don’t think I have ever truly shared this with any of my classes. 

My teacher reads?  One of my favorite things to do is share what I have been reading over the summer with my new students in the back to school letter they get.  I know not every child will go on a vacation, but each child could read a book over the summer.  It helps start the new year with conversations about the books they have read.  I usually see a couple of students come in with one of the books I have mentioned in my letter and parents often feel comfortable asking for book suggestions.  I have never shared my nook reading record, my books to read photo album and notes list on my phone, or what I am currently reading.  Continuing to share my reading habits throughout the year, would encourage students to feel a kinship with reading.

Readers record.  I like the idea of recording your reading so that you can feel a sense of pride, see patterns emerge, and expand your genre.  I also agree that not using a reading record as some sort of required parent report is good.  I do however see somewhat of a tediousness to writing a record each time I read.  I will need to try it out.  Who knows?  Maybe I will really like it and begin to encourage my students to do the same.