Nothing But the Truth!
Welcome to Readfessions of a Reading Specialist.
Just some quick & clean happenings from my reading world.
Readfession #1: My readers love their reading journals!
This year I decided that I would utilize reading journals (again). I’ve used them in the past, but about two years ago our school started providing an iPad for each learner so reading journals have been on the back burner. I was excited to introduce them and it’s funny how pumped my students get when I tell them that we are writing in their journals!
My readers decorated the front cover and then together we added some standard pages and some anchor charts. Throughout the year the journals will be used for responses from explicit instruction and for responses to independent reading. The reading journals serve as a great tool for formative assessment and a way to track progress.
Readfession #2: I love Scholastic’s new resource, Storyworks Jr.
This summer I attended the Scholastic Reading Summit. It was a great one day conference that was jam-packed with exciting books, awesome keynote speakers, and fabulous sessions. Oh, and need I mention, I had some great colleagues attend the conference too! (You can read about it here!)
Anyway, the point is that during the conference Scholastic was promoting its brand new multi-genre resource, STORYWORKS Jr. Since I love STORYWORKS, I knew STORYWORKS Jr. would be perfect for the group of readers I instruct. I purchased a subscription and I couldn’t be any happier. The online resources includes lesson plans, videos, audio recordings, and multi-level versions of the story. I love the reading selections and so do my students. It’s a reading win-win for me. It’s a reading win-win for my readers!
Readfession #3: Independent reading is a huge success!
You know what Dr. Seuss says:
The more you read, the more you know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go!
Well, my readers are going places! Independent reading has gone to a whole new level this year. I’ve always made it a priority, but again after attending the Scholastic Reading Summit, I just knew I had to push more this year. And pushing I am! I cannot emphasize enough the power of the book talk. If I read the book, they want to read it. If I talk about the book, they want to read. I am truly amazed how simple yet powerful book talking is. My worry, I can’t read the books fast enough and I’m afraid I’m going to run out of books! I’m stocking my room with books that I purchase, books from the school library, books from the public library, and most recently, e-books for my Kindles.
We’ve also been utilizing “book bins” this year and they too are quite powerful. It’s not enough for me to ask, “What are you reading now?” I also am asking, “What are you reading next?” or “What book(s) are in your book bin?” Visit Franki Sibberson’s blog to read more about book bins.
Book bins=powerful reading!
Readfession #4: I am busy reading too!
Here’s what’s on my short stack:
- Finished: Ghost by Jason Reynolds
- Reading Now: Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz
- Up Next: Wish by Barbara O’Connor
- In the Bin: Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat by Gary Paulsen
my short stack
Well, that’s a wrap of readfessions for this reading specialist!
Until next time,
~Amy
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Runner, Reader, & Rockin' Mom 
When you read then , do you just tell the class about them ? I am interested in this idea !!!
I loved this post! I wish I could have gone to a Reading Summit last year- I did the summer before and loved it! My students could swear by bins and book talks too. Independent reading is a given. I think this year my students love stickies more than journals, but I am glad they are thinking about their reading. If you have iPads have you used Epic yet? My students LOVE the variety of books on Epic and it is free at school. Happy reading!
Ahhhh … books. Great post.
Kevin
Like you, I am also worried about running out of books. But that’s a good problem to have, right? I’ve never heard of the Storyworks program but I will definitely check it out! Keep reading, Amy! (And happy Thanksgiving!)
What great Readfessions! There is just something about having a journal and decorating it to make it personal. Electronics are nice, but… So many great and useful ideas.
Love this post…and the word “readfessions”!