Group items tagged

This e:update provides teachers with practical information about how to write Readers' Theatre scripts that will meet the specific needs of their students. Teacher-written scripts enable Readers' Theatre to be used on a regular basis based on books that have been programmed for the class. The range of ideas provided in this e:update will assist those new to this strategy and complement the resources of those teachers already using Readers' Theatre.

What does it mean to be a reader in the 21st century? Many studies indicate that reading print offers increased metacognition and comprehension over online reading. However, is this truly the case or is it simply the result of studying students that have not had explicit instruction in how to read online? Although many of us use online and digital text formats, how much instruction have we had in how to navigate and comprehend it? Do these studies illuminate the reality that we need to learn how to be both an effective reader of digital AND print texts?

"Margaret Kristin Merga outlines her compelling research into this area. Of particular interest is the role of librarians in schools in supporting struggling readers, as these students may be increasingly disadvantaged as they move through the years of schooling. Teacher librarians provided support by identifying struggling readers, providing them with age and skill-appropriate materials, undertaking skill scaffolding supporting choice, supporting students with special needs, providing one-to-one matching, promoting access to books, enhancing the social position of books and reading, reading aloud to students, facilitating silent reading, and preparing students for high-stakes literacy testing."

"But to develop a meaningful reader identity, one that goes beyond the obvious questions of are you a reader or not, we have to have teaching opportunities where students can explore what their reading identity is to begin with and then chart a specific course to further explore it and grow."

As teachers, one of our most critical jobs is to create independent readers. Getting kids excited about books is the first and most crucial step on this journey. The more passionate students are about books, the more they read, and the more they read, the better they get. Making book commercials-or persuasive pieces to inspire their peers-is one great way to help students share their excitement about books with each other and create a community of passionate readers.

"it's important to have students evaluate what they're looking for in a reading experience. As school librarians, readers' advisory is a crucial part of our job. Helping readers find the perfect book is a fulfilling task. The problem is that teenagers rarely know what they love if they haven't read much or are unable to express their interests."

"Reading isn't generally considered a dynamic activity, but students who participate in a StoryWalk get to not only hear a great story but stimulate parts of their brain that are normally at rest when they sit down with a book. Instead of snuggling up in a cozy reading spot, readers are presented with colorful pages from an illustrated book, displayed one-by-one on stakes as they stroll along an indoor or outdoor walking path. Readers are able to take their time and reflect on the subtle nuances of the story, make inferences about what may happen next, and have co-constructed conversations with any walking partners."

Henry Jenkins challenges teachers to actively involve students and put what they see, hear, and read to use. Transmedia environments ask readers to seek out content, explore information in different contexts, evaluate ideas across formats, and interact with other readers.

Blog post with a short list of current picture books targeting older readers.

Gateway on Scholastic's site to a series of book talks by Donalyn Miller including: cultivating wild readers, engaging dormant middle school readers, graphic novels, and intro focusing on books. There is also a booktalk on series fiction but this does not appear to be included on this page

"Throughout my career as a student, educator, and reader, I've been part of many book clubs, but prior to the pandemic, the concept seemed to be out of fashion. The return of the book club as an online platform has given new life to an old practice for educators and social readers alike."

"It's actually quite difficult to put together a list that appeals to everyone, especially if the number of titles is restricted. The wider the age range the list is targeted at the more challenging it is especially if you have to consider emerging readers alongside confident readers - too many suggestions aimed at each group will put many off. I've had experience of doing this for book awards and school library packs, and it takes a lot longer and is harder than you'd think. "

"The key is finding a book -- or series -- that's engaging, well-matched to your kid's literacy skills, and on target with his emotional development. Here are some practical suggestions to help you pick books to suit your super readers. "

"In the quest to build capable readers, promoting independent, self-selected reading remains key. Creating ravenous, lifelong readers doesn't just happen, it takes a schoolwide culture to help reach that goal."

"I do think it's beneficial to challenge yourself as a reader, whether that means reading poetry, the "classics," dense nonfiction, or literary fiction. I'm still surrounded by my YA TBR, and I look forward to getting to them, but this was a wake-up call to mix it up periodically. We can only grow as readers by stretching a little past what is comfortable."

"One of the projects we planned and executed together had the goal of supporting students' liberation from strict ideas about what books they should be reading. Often, without realizing it, when we lean too heavily on data pertaining to reading levels and achievement and share this information with students, it can lead to the development of prejudicial ideas about which books belong to which grades and readers. In my library, I much prefer the message that all books belong to all readers."

Barnes and Noble has a really nice selection of very well known (and many award winning) children's books. The voices of the readers are nice to listen to and kids will recognize many of their favorites. Partial portrayal of the illustrations, without text showing, and with some zooming in and out.

Barnes and Noble has a really nice selection of very well known (and many award winning) children's books. The voices of the readers are nice to listen to and kids will recognize many of their favorites. Partial portrayal of the illustrations, without text showing, and with some zooming in and out.

Delightful readings of well know picture books. The reader is shown occasionally, but predominantly the illustrations of the book are zoomed in and out.

Delightful readings of well know picture books. The reader is shown occasionally, but predominantly the illustrations of the book are zoomed in and out.

"I know many teachers have tried some version of this activity. I want to add my voice to theirs: this is a F.U.N. way to get students talking about what they have read and what they might want to read - both important factors in helping students of all ages develop their identities as readers. A clear explanation of how speed dating with books operates, educational value and a brief video clip of secondary students selling the favourite books.

"I know many teachers have tried some version of this activity. I want to add my voice to theirs: this is a F.U.N. way to get students talking about what they have read and what they might want to read - both important factors in helping students of all ages develop their identities as readers. A clear explanation of how speed dating with books operates, educational value and a brief video clip of secondary students selling the favourite books.

For readers everywhere Looking for books with a specific trigger? Search the database by categories to find all titles with the same kind of trigger.