Blog #4 The Power of a “To Be Read List”

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“By putting a book into the hands of a child, we can put hope directly into that child’s hands. We can put love directly into that child’s hands and we can show them, look: you have the power to make this world better” (Mulligan & Landrigan, 2018, p. 1). Atwell (2007), explains the number one reason kids cite for not reading more is, “they can’t find books they want to read” (73). In order to build regular reading habits for all students, it is essential that students have access to many books and personal choice of what to read (Mulligan & Landrigan, 2018, p. 4). Teachers can help students establish regular reading habits by providing access to a wide variety of choice books. It can also be helpful to have students create, “Someday”, “Want to Read”,“To Be Read Lists”. These are lists of books that a student is interested in reading in the future. By having a plan of what to read next, it reduces the likelihood that a student will not read because “they can’t find books they want to read”. 
One option for creating a “Someday” or “To Be Read (TBR)” list is to have a page in a reading notebook. There are many options for creating and generating these lists including simple text or creating a visual. Below are examples of these lists:






Another option to create a to be read list is to use an electronic list. One option is to use Goodreads. goodreads is a social media page for tracking your reading, reviewing books, creating a “ want to read list” and communicating with other readers. Goodreads allows users to add books to their, “Want to read list”. 
Remember students need to be at least 13 years old, as this is the minimum age to sign up for Goodreads. 
Here is a video explaining how to use goodreads: 
Whether students create a list in a notebook or an electronic list using a website like goodreads, creating a “Want to Read” lists can help students to establish and maintain regular reading practices by always having a plan of what to read next. In order to ensure that students take ownership of their list, it is essential that adding to these lists become a regular part of the students reading routine. It may be helpful to set up regular times for students to add to their list such as after a booktalk or when visiting the library. When students have access to these lists they are more likely to get excited about reading and develop sustainable reading habits and routines.



References:  
Mulligan T., Landrigan C. (2018) It’s All about the Books. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann


Atwell, N. (2007). The reading zone: How to help kids become skilled, passionate, habitual, critical readers. New York, NY: Scholastic.
[Hack Learning]. (2012, June 21). Goodreads for Students. [Video File] https://youtu.be/Ga35MthQQqs 

Comments

  1. Sandra FaragJuly 18, 2019 at 6:11 AM

    Hi Chelsea,
    I have always found it challenging to get my students excited about reading. I really liked the ideas that you mentioned in your post that could help students track their reading and maintain regular reading practices. I think an electronic list can be an effective way to engage students in reading activities. As I reflect on my students, I realize that although most students love being read to, some quite often struggle to stay focused. I am curious if you have any ideas on how we could help our students stay focused during reading exercises or story-telling time?

    Thanks

    Sandra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chelsea HorsburghJuly 20, 2019 at 10:20 AM

      Hi Sandra,
      Thank you for reading my post. Similar to you each year, I have students who struggle to engage in reading. I don't think the answer to this question is an easy one. I think every reader is different based on their experience as readers. I have found for most students the first step is to help the see themselves as readers and that there are no, "right books".

      For some students graphic novels can be a great entry point into reading. Every year, I smile when I have one of my students say, "you're really saying I can read my comic book and that counts as my independent reading?!?" Through the year, I always try to broaden students exposure to different books, but I think the main focus as first is just to get students to read.

      Another strategy I have found helpful when introducing a book during interactive read aloud or shared reading is to build background knowledge using pictures, videos, or a question. This can help to hook student attention and then get them excited for reading.

      I am going to keep posting strategies to engage struggling readers, because I think teacher's need a wide variety of tools.

      Thanks for your feedback,

      Chelsea

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJuly 24, 2019 at 5:01 AM

    Seen - good job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AmandaAugust 7, 2019 at 1:05 PM

    I liked this comment:
    Kate DiCamillo perfectly sums up the way I wish all of my students would view reading when she says, “Reading should not be presented to a child as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift”. When considering the best way for students to see reading as a “gift” I think it is important to provide students with choices in order to ensure that the “gift” they are receiving. Reading explores success and memorization of and it is glorious to see how students show confidence and faith in themselves. I am thankful that when I taught reading, students need to have the ability to remember aspects of strength.

    ReplyDelete

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