Chapter 2: Everybody is a Reader
Isn’t that a fabulous chapter name? I mean, it really says it all.
Everybody is a reader … we’re just all at different places in our development.
That’s a crucial message for kids, of all ages, to hear and understand.
In this chapter Donalyn discusses three types of readers (developing, dormant, underground). She also discusses in some detail Brian Cambourne’s “Conditions for Learning” (immersion, demonstration, expectations, responsibility, employment, approximations, response, engagement).
ONE point stood out for me in chapter 2:
“BOOK FRENZY“. I love that term! Donalyn describes how she gets the kids choosing books from her classroom library (to take home and read) on the very first day of school.
The kids choose their own books. All of them. Regardless of where they are on the reading development continuum.
This choice is so very important for all children. Book reports, comprehension questions, book dioramas etc. do NOT help kids become readers.
Reading books they love and then sharing their questions, insights and excitement about those books is how kids learn to read and learn to love reading.
I’m so happy this is something I already do. The readers in my class spend lots of time reading “just-right” books with me (that I choose), but they spend even more time reading books of their own choice. And usually with a friend ~ just so it’s even more enjoyable.
You can read more about The Book Whisperer here.
Happy reading, folks!
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I agree Barb. That point is going to stick with me as well – choice, choice, choice! I already give lots, and know it is important, but want to be able to provide even more where I can. Thanks for posting!
I love how giving students choices builds their confidence!TaraThe Math Maniac
Teachers NEED to be readers if we expect it from our students!LaurieChickadee Jubilee
Yes! Excellent point. I always assume teachers ARE readers, but it's surprising to realizethat many aren't.
It does, doesn't it? And that confidence carries on into other areas.
I know what you mean. As I read this chapter I found myself thinking of more ways to build in choice throughout the day.
I'm with you on the \”book frenzy\” idea. I love the idea, how fun it would be to just enjoy looking at and talking about the books available in your class, rules included. Yay, I might take a morning to do this before book shopping for our book bins.
We had a lite version of the book frenzy. Haha! I wasn't brave enough to let them go all out. But then I have Grade 1s and right now they are SO silly:)
Yes! I had/have a student who gets dragged into school every day and hears his parent say, \”he can't read\” when he has to stop at the door to read the password. Guess what?! He can read! Despite what he's been told, he reads every day… what ever he wants to in my class…Plus some of the things I pick for him!Jenny
Yikes! I wonder why they're saying that? Glad to hear he's reading in class:)
Donalyn is so smart, and it's nice when every so often, she says something that I already do. (Makes me feel smart sometimes too.) Even when she validates what I do, she still has a way of challenging me to make it better.❀ TammyForever in First
It makes so much sense that we become better reader by reading rather than doing comprehension questions, vocabulary sheets and dioramas.
I think so:)
It's great to be validated but a challenge is important, too:)