Self-Selected Reading is a sacred time for students to explore and read a book of their choice. The goal is to create an authentic opportunity for students to view themselves as competent and engaged readers. I have already witnessed a transformation in many of my students. During individual conferences, we are able to discuss their thoughts on a novel. It's wonderful to see their growing curiosity for books and the stories they hold. Still, in a time where one app on a phone is like the world at their fingertips, my simple classroom library is pale in comparison due to its limited selection. Most of my kids don't have access to books at home and rely on our school library, my own humble collection, or the generosity of teachers’ bookshelves in neighboring classrooms. Without genres that appeal to their interests, they are less likely to desire reading at all. How can we empower authentic readers without providing them with the proper resources?
Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.
I wish to give them access to a world of literature that they wouldn’t otherwise have been exposed to, especially in a small, seemingly insignificant town. In doing so, I hope to give my students some place to go - some place completely and utterly unknown to them, some place they feel understood, some place they can meet characters of all colors, shapes, and sizes with stories like their own or ones they cannot even fathom. I wish for them to explore a place that grants the freedom to learn about their own true selves.
And when they find this place, I hope they hold it close to their hearts and never let it go.
About my class
Self-Selected Reading is a sacred time for students to explore and read a book of their choice. The goal is to create an authentic opportunity for students to view themselves as competent and engaged readers. I have already witnessed a transformation in many of my students. During individual conferences, we are able to discuss their thoughts on a novel. It's wonderful to see their growing curiosity for books and the stories they hold. Still, in a time where one app on a phone is like the world at their fingertips, my simple classroom library is pale in comparison due to its limited selection. Most of my kids don't have access to books at home and rely on our school library, my own humble collection, or the generosity of teachers’ bookshelves in neighboring classrooms. Without genres that appeal to their interests, they are less likely to desire reading at all. How can we empower authentic readers without providing them with the proper resources?
Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.
I wish to give them access to a world of literature that they wouldn’t otherwise have been exposed to, especially in a small, seemingly insignificant town. In doing so, I hope to give my students some place to go - some place completely and utterly unknown to them, some place they feel understood, some place they can meet characters of all colors, shapes, and sizes with stories like their own or ones they cannot even fathom. I wish for them to explore a place that grants the freedom to learn about their own true selves.
And when they find this place, I hope they hold it close to their hearts and never let it go.
Read more