Sharing the Pleasure of Reading

I really enjoyed the three chapters in Reading Essentials. The first chapter was about knowing your students and making sure that the information you receive from research or from curriculums really works for your students. Always make sure what you are doing makes sense for those children - not just because you were told to do it or it fits the latest research. The second chapter was about bonding with students, having joy in learning and celebrating life - also great lessons.

But, the chapter I want to reflect on was Chapter 3 - Share your Reading Life. As a student with the goal of becoming a middle school math teacher - I would think this was not that important. But, in many ways, I think it is more important. Of course the literacy teachers will be encouraging students to read. If the math teacher is also - that could be really powerful. As an avid reader, I have maintained a reading record for many years. This has helped me to refer back to books I liked, authors I liked and helped me to make recommendations reading friends. I love to look back at my record to all of the good books I have read. The specific quote I would like to remember is "When you have a book you love, let students know it." I have seen many teachers - especially middle school teachers - with a notice outside their door indicating what book they are currently reading. I would like to do this - it would lead to great discussions of books. And mostly I think this can have added power when the book loving comes from the math teacher!