Hi!
I love this group - so many answers so quickly, and such strong answers! I
honestly don't think I have much to add, though I will say that I think
one of the most fundamental elements in building interest in reading is
the part about just letting them read what they want to. I often get,
"Wait, you mean I can just read (fill in the blank - often a Meg Cabot
title) and that's okay?" Also, the idea that they can drop the book if
they lose interest in it.
Although I think my kids do enjoy having group discussions of books,
several have told me that they are much happier reading on their own then
reading something I've picked out for them, or even something they've
picked out as a group book from a number of choices.
Oh, I did just think about "morning reading" - i.e. read-alouds. I think
that has been huge in my class, for generally building interest in
reading, for helping students learn from each other about how to think
about reading, and for just enjoying being together ("building community").
Take care,
Bill Ivey
Stoneleigh-Burnham School
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