A fun time was had by all who attended our December meeting. We started with treats brought by council members and then it was time for our book exchange. We played a fun holiday trivia game to see the order of the book selection. Members unwrapped holiday themed books, picture books, and nonprofessional books for adults. They also got to chose a dozen cookies or bars to bring home. Yummy!
After the merriment, we had our first ever BHRC Idea Swap. Our topic was MOTIVATING READERS. Council members shared concerns, frustrations, and ideas to get students excited about reading. Here are a few:
* Use of the power of self selection
- Book choice- introduce 4 or 5 books and let students pick
- Walk through the school library or literacy library and let students chose their own book
- Provide a class recommendation chart for students to suggest other books to classmates-put the suggested books in a tub for easy assess
- Do research when kids select their own books and pay attention to why a particular book is picked
* Spend time discussing different books- expose students to a variety of authors, genres, and titles- they might get hooked on a genre they never knew existed
* Tap into the influence of novelty- use whisper phones (can be purchased or made out of 3 parts of PVC pipe)
* Connect to writing- have students write the text to wordless picture books (try David Wiesner’s
books)
* Give book talks- capture students’ attention and make them want more
- Can be a simple oral talk or an advanced book trailer created on the computer
- Given by the teacher or students
- Go around the room, have students introduce the book they are currently reading with the title and author, they shake a snow globe, and pass it to the next person (can be adapted for different times of the year)
* Hook them in with lots of engaging nonfiction
* Use story bits- build enthusiasm by using concrete items that hold memories of a book which students can use to retell and share what was read (A circle of foil for Rainbow Fish or a seed for How a Seed Grows)
* Use Mystery Bags- gift bag with objects tied to a story
- Can be adapted for younger kids- use a basket with items inside and ask which book the items represent
* “Get Caught Reading” board
- Take and display photos of your students reading
- Better yet, add photos of families reading
- Post photos of staff members reading
* Focus on students’ interests- find out what they are into and get books centered on those interests
* Tempt them with books they can’t refuse- there is so much quality literature out there
There were several members that were unable to attend our December meeting. We are looking forward to hearing from you. What ideas do you have for motivating readers?
After the merriment, we had our first ever BHRC Idea Swap. Our topic was MOTIVATING READERS. Council members shared concerns, frustrations, and ideas to get students excited about reading. Here are a few:
* Use of the power of self selection
- Book choice- introduce 4 or 5 books and let students pick
- Walk through the school library or literacy library and let students chose their own book
- Provide a class recommendation chart for students to suggest other books to classmates-put the suggested books in a tub for easy assess
- Do research when kids select their own books and pay attention to why a particular book is picked
* Spend time discussing different books- expose students to a variety of authors, genres, and titles- they might get hooked on a genre they never knew existed
* Tap into the influence of novelty- use whisper phones (can be purchased or made out of 3 parts of PVC pipe)
* Connect to writing- have students write the text to wordless picture books (try David Wiesner’s
books)
* Give book talks- capture students’ attention and make them want more
- Can be a simple oral talk or an advanced book trailer created on the computer
- Given by the teacher or students
- Go around the room, have students introduce the book they are currently reading with the title and author, they shake a snow globe, and pass it to the next person (can be adapted for different times of the year)
* Hook them in with lots of engaging nonfiction
* Use story bits- build enthusiasm by using concrete items that hold memories of a book which students can use to retell and share what was read (A circle of foil for Rainbow Fish or a seed for How a Seed Grows)
* Use Mystery Bags- gift bag with objects tied to a story
- Can be adapted for younger kids- use a basket with items inside and ask which book the items represent
* “Get Caught Reading” board
- Take and display photos of your students reading
- Better yet, add photos of families reading
- Post photos of staff members reading
* Focus on students’ interests- find out what they are into and get books centered on those interests
* Tempt them with books they can’t refuse- there is so much quality literature out there
There were several members that were unable to attend our December meeting. We are looking forward to hearing from you. What ideas do you have for motivating readers?