Cultivating a Reading Culture



I love reading and am always surprised to meet child or adult who doesn't. This is my second year at my current school and there is a ways to go in cultivating a reading culture. Students read, but not all are given daily time, nor is there a school-wide initiative. I have thought about boosting circulation and passion for reading since I began in the library.
Last year I created a wall in the Learning Commons of all the staff with pictures of their favourite books, to illustrate and remind everyone that reading is for everybody! I am continuing with this tradition, changing it up as staff and year shift. Along with this staff initiative, I created and handed out the "Yostie Award" to my staff member, Mrs. Yost, who had the highest circulation number for the year. I continue to encourage others to usurp her numbers, but she is in the lead again this year. (Trying to stir up a little healthy competition).
 

In my private life, I belong to a once-monthly book club. This club is one of my favourite things in the world. Not only do I love the motivation to read varying and diverse books, but I absolutely love discussing the material with multiple personalities and perspectives. I get so excited to dive in deeper with my reading and I know some of my students do too...This week I've had an inspiration! I was able to do an impromptu reading group with some grade sixes and their excitement and love of reading was infectious.
It got me to thinking....I could create a book club/reading group for the older grades in some of my collaboration time. I would want the book club to be during class time; a chance to read, discuss and learn during language arts. I think the privilege of being included in a book club, would really get the school culture of reading into a higher gear. Teachers would need to be on board with small groups leaving class to come and read in the Learning Commons. Students would need to keep up with the reading during our time apart. I think the concept holds promise at my school.

Starting an school book club
Successful kid's book club


I will be seeking out my intermediate colleagues to try and form some group times and formats for next year. I am building an ongoing rapport with staff and each year have the chance to work with new teachers in collaboration. Hoping I can carve out  2- 30min blocks per group a week.

Any suggestions out there about how to facilitate this endeavour will be appreciated!


Works Cited

Booth, Heather. “How To Run a Successful Kids Book Club.” School Library Journal, 15 Mar. 2018, www.slj.com/2018/03/programhttps://www.slj.com/2018/03/programs/run-successful-kids-book-club/#_s/run-successful-kids-book-club/#_.

LA, Candler. “Classroom Book Clubs: Literature Circles Made Easy.” YouTube, YouTube, 12 Feb. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXnaqNBfQaM.

Gamble, Nikki. “Your Guide to Starting a Book Club in Your School.” Oxford Education Blog, 23 Jan. 2018, educationblog.oup.com/primary/your-guide-to-starting-a-book-club-in-your-school.


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