Coming into this school year, one of my biggest concerns was being able to convey my love of reading to my students. Sure, I like it but, how do I convince them? Then I read The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller and I was totally inspired!
Mrs. Miller is a middle school reading teacher who has achieved great success with her students by requiring voracious reading and allowing students to choose what they read independently. Before I was halfway through the book I knew this was the approach I should be taking in the classroom. This is exactly what worked for me when I was young so I know firsthand what the results can be.
Although the school year was already well underway I decided my students and I couldn't afford to wait any longer. It is imperative that we utilize every moment we have to become lifelong, passionate readers so, at the start of the second quarter I launched the 40 Book Challenge with my seventh grade class. With only a few tweaks from what Mrs. Miller suggests, here is what we are aspiring to read this year:
10 Non-fiction Books
3 Spiritual Books
5 Realistic Fiction Books
5 Historical Fiction Books
5 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Books
2 Poetry Books
10 Student Choice Books.
I think we are all (the students and I) really excited about this challenge and the new approach we are taking to reading class. Be prepared to hear a lot more about what we are doing!
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