Simply For Teachers

We've come to the end of The Book Whisperer.  I have truly enjoyed this reading journey.  I am so happy that I read this book this summer, it confirmed my beliefs about student reading habits and independent reading practices. Chapter 7....Letting Go When teachers control all of the reading and reading material, they ignore the needs of the students.  It is insulting to students who are already readers and can disparage positive behaviors that may already exist. What are we preparing students for when they do packets of work and dredge through books they don't like? Actual reading prepares students for the future more than any other activity. Teachers conform to what everyone else around them is doing. We build stamina by reading lots of books. Teachers need to give up the control of reading to their students so that they take responsibility for themselves as readers. Reflect How can you adjust your room to promote independent student reading? What are ...

As a primary grade teacher I am always on the hunt for fun book companions.  They double as a reading prop and classroom decor.  We love anything that can decorate our space, be functional and inspire to READING !  I work with K-6 grades now, and I embrace book companions no matter the level.  I have found that students, regardless of age, comment on my stuffed book characters.  The little ones get very excited and exclaim "It's the Lorax!" and my older students say things like "Oh I loved Skippyjon Jones".   Welcome the new members of my book companion tribe......... That's right!!!! Welcome Elephant , Piggie , Knufflebunny , Duckling and Pigeon !!!!  When I taught first grade, we would kick the year off with a Mo Willems author study. The kiddos would pick up those books from our library every free chance they had.  The author studies were one of my proudest teaching moments because my students were SOOOO excited about the book col...

With each chapter this book speaks to my deeply held beliefs that most readers are developed over time.  As teachers we play an integral role in their personal definition as a reader.  We have such an impact on how our students view reading and themselves as readers.  Throughout my reading, I continually reflect on that point.  As the reading specialist, what can I do to support a love of reading?  I teach phonics, comprehension strategies, spelling patterns, fluency...etc. BUT what am I doing to support a love of reading??? I believe that my position is more than teaching strategies and rehearsing skills.  People in my position need to inspire both administrators, teachers, students and parents to READ. Well if I didn't feel overwhelmed before, I certainly do now!!! However, it's an important question on which to focus and I love a challenge. Onto the BOOK...... As promised I will not be rehashing parts of my reading.  Instead, I will pose refl...

I am really enjoying the sentiments found in The Book Whisperer .  Donalyn Miller makes the reading relatable as she includes personal stories from her own teaching experience.  You have to have street credit when you're providing professional development.  Teachers are a lot like students in their learning.  They need to know how what they are learning applies to their world and their teaching.  By including examples and acknowledging her own struggles Donalyn Miller writes this book directly to the teacher. Here are my "take aways" from Chapters 2 & 3.  If you have your own understandings and would like to share or have questions, please leave a comment! Chapter 2 Everybody is a Reader............. Letting students choose books and guiding them to book selection creates the basis for a motivated reader. Struggling readers spend far less time in school reading than their classmates due to pull out supports, actually deepening the reading gap...

I try to read throughout the year........but I always fall short of reading texts.  I read novels and articles about literature and research, but not full texts.  Summer is my chance!  Armed with a book, cup of coffee (the occasional biscotti), highlighter, Post-it notes and pen I'm ready to study.  I'm on fire for making reading better for all students and the teachers I serve. My first summer read is Donalyn Miller's The Book Whisperer.   I thought it would be fun to break down my understandings from each chapter as I get through this fantastic resource.  Keep in mind that reading is personal and we transact with the text to make meaning of the author's message.  So, please feel free to comment on my "take aways" from each chapter!  I am currently reading this book with another teacher and we text every morning to check in on our understandings, thoughts, opinions, etc. of each chapter.  I read slowly! I have attention obstacles and ha...