Routman/Reading
Essentials/Ch. 3 "Share Your Reading Life"
After reading chapter 3, “Share Your Reading Life” by Regie
Routman I was reminded of the power we as educators possess. As I think back to my early years as a
student, I remember hanging on to every word of my teachers and wanting to impress
them. According to Routman,” we as educators
can use our influence as a teacher and role model to foster a love of reading
along with excellent reading habits.” As
I reflect upon my own reading life, I realize my love of books was fostered
through my Mom at an early age as we shared endless hours at the public library
encircled by books of all shapes and sizes.
It was clear she valued, enjoyed, and wanted to share this passion with
me. What an awesome role model from one of the most influential people in my
life. We as educators often can and do
represent this and more for our students as we spend many hours daily with
them. According to Routman, “it’s essential that our students see and feel the
power of reading through our enthusiasm and modeling.”
Other key points I found of interest included:
·
“Without time to practice and read extensively,
students will not become readers.”
·
“Reading success for students depends on a
carefully monitored independent reading program as well as an excellent
classroom library.”
·
The importance of students learning to read for
pleasure.
·
“We teachers have to be readers if we are to
teach reading and writing well.
In conclusion as a kindergarten teacher, I especially connected with the
suggestion of instead of bringing in an object to share, students bring in a book. This strategy can be powerful on many levels.
I can’t think of a better way to hook
or encourage a peer than to show and share the importance and love of a
book.
Hey! I love the quote "we as educators can use our influence as a teacher and role model to foster a love of reading along with excellent reading habits.” I also hung on every word my teachers used to say and wanted to impress and make them proud. My reading life was also started by my mom. It is important that we show our love and enthusiasm to our students about reading. I read Nicole's blog and she shared that her Star Student is going to bring in a book they are reading and share that to the class. Loved that idea! Thanks Blondell!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of students bringing in a book to share rather than the traditional show and tell. Very powerful lesson for all ages! I may have to steal this idea for my fifth graders. I think it's also important for students to know what I'm reading. I think they need to see me as a reader, not just the books I read to them, but the books I read for pleasure as well. Thanks, Blondell! Great blogging!!! Sheryl Elliott
DeleteWhat an amazing thing your mom did by instilling in you a love of reading! Sometimes I think we forget how powerful and impressionable our actions are to our young students. I'm sure your students would love to hear how your mom used to take you to the library to read and would love to hear about your favorite books from your childhood. If you have your students bring in a book to share, I would love to know how it goes!
ReplyDeleteBlondell, I can picture you with your mom at the library! I can still remember how excited I felt as a child going through the doors into the Public Library! How incredible it is for our students to relate to us personally and with "our story" as a reader, it is a great way to have a connection them! We had our kids bring in their favorite book this past week as well, and they were so excited and proud. It was a great activity as we strive to get them excited about reading - not just for the year but for their lifetime!
ReplyDelete