Help Diversify My Library and Grow the Love of Reading!

Funded Aug 22, 2018

My classroom library is now filled with books with diverse characters to match the lives of my students. The materials arrived just in time to start our first reading unit of the year. During this unit, I focus on two very important reading skills, how to find themes in your book and how one part of the story connects to the whole story. When teaching these skills, I teach in 3 different ways: whole class, small groups, and one-on-one conferences. Later in the year, we will focus on the skills of author's craft (identifying how is the author writing the text to bring about themes) and comparing and contrasting books.

In 5th grade, students love book clubs. Each unit, students meet in a group of 3 or 4 to discuss the book they are reading. Students pace out their reading, establish questions to think about, and come prepared to the discussion with noticing from their book. The books purchased helped me to create high interest books for clubs to read. This helps build motivation as well as help build strong comprehension skills.

In reflecting on my students, all of the students in the room are enjoying new books. They also are enjoying flexible seating. Many kids love sitting or laying with the picnic chairs while reading. The noise canceling headphones help students stay focused on their books while I meet with a small group or confer with students one-on-one. Thank you for helping my student grow their love of reading and enjoy flexibility and choice in our classroom.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Petrillo