At this time of year, my teaching focus is summer reading. We've had great lessons in the library on the topic, watching some videos and sharing the five W's of summer reading with tablemates. At last year's assembly, I put on a skit of sorts, demonstrating with props all the things I'd be doing over the summer, including reading. The piece de resistance of the skit was the unrolling of my yards-long reading list.
So I was personally challenged to come up with something new this year. Since I had shared that one of my favorite places to read was the chaise lounge by my neighbor's pool (my "Where"), I decided to pack a bag for swimming.
The kids chuckled as I pulled out my straw hat, sunglasses, beach ball, goggles, swimsuit (hung it around my neck), coverup, towel, sunscreen, flipflops....what could I be forgetting? "A BOOK!" they all shouted. Ah, yes, there it was! They Stood Alone!: 25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference , one of the many books on my to-read pile. I then asked if they wanted to see my reading list....after a resounding "YES!", I unrolled yet another yards-long strip of taped-together chart paper, with about 40 titles on it.
Just trying to set a good example! Can't wait to hear about what the kids read over the summer.
Great visual for them to hold on to! I love promoting summer reading too and hope they aim for a #bookaday!
ReplyDeleteThey don't hesitate to ask "Is that really your reading list?". Of course it is; this librarian doesn't lie! ;-)
DeleteWhat a fun way to get them excited. You are so right - we need to set the example for summer reading.
ReplyDeleteThey really seem to respect my encouragement to read more when I show them how I am a reader, too. Can't wait to have the time to sink my teeth into that super-long reading list!
DeleteOh my goodness, I LOVE this! What fun and what a great way to get kids thinking about reading this summer!
ReplyDeleteDana, I took a chance on the five W's lesson, and it really took off. Having the kids talk with each other about who they'll read to/with (or what, like their pets!), what they'll read, when (I tell them I'm a morning reader), where, and most importantly, why, made their summer reading plan concrete. I also remind them to get lots of fresh air! ;-)
DeleteLove that you shared the five W's in your comment to Dana. I'll use this in our book talks with 6th graders next week.
ReplyDeleteIt was the first time I used table sharing in a lesson, Ramona, and it worked wonderfully, from kindergarten through fifth grade! I posed the question, gave them three or four minutes to discuss their answers with their tablemates while I circulated and chimed in. Then I counted down from five to wrap up each discussion. Worked great!
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