THE BOOK that hooked him... This is a story that I share with great pride. Brady, my son, has entered the world of constant nose-in-the-book reading. It started last summer as he transitioned to middle school. It wasn't that he disliked books or reading before this, but he did not participate in independent reading on his free time without necessary force or consequence threatened by me, his mother. (MS Ed. Reading is part of my credentials, so choosing to be a non-reader in our home was pretty much hopeless for this boy.) Completing a FABULOUS 5th grade year (thank you, Mrs. Caywood), where a love for reading and a belief in student reading choice was embedded in the classroom culture, started him on this trek as a motivated, independent reader. On the first day of summer school (a middle school transition clinic) he was naturally drawn to the school's library media center and there he found THE BOOK. The Last Thing I Remember from The Homelanders series by Andrew Klavan was written for my son! He came home talking about how he was unable to stop reading once he captured the first line, which he made me read. He recommended the book to me and his older sister (Yes, he held a "book talk" in our kitchen!!) and insisted I order the next books in the series so they would be ready and waiting for him. From this moment on my son's 6th grade year was full of reading!! His 6th grade ELA teacher, Mrs. Goulding, shared in his excitement over books and celebrated his reading success at the end of the year with this picture that depicts some of the books he completed over the school year. He befriended his school librarian, Mrs. Martin, and made suggestions for books that should be ordered for the middle school library, accepted her book requests, and engaged in meaningful discussions about books...like a real reader. This a success story that I wish for all hesitant readers. As educators and parents we must continue to help our students find THE BOOKS that will hook them. Brady's world has opened up in so many ways now that he is an avid reader. He found his connection in middle school to caring adults that support him, and his reading level has grown, which has also influenced his vocabulary, comprehension, and motivation for discovery. This summer my plans include feeding this boy's need to read!! Read on, Brady...I will celebrate you and share your story as your proud momma!
2 Comments
|
Dr. Rena Hawkins
I am the Principal of Maple Elementary School in Smithville, MO, and co-host of the #ShareMOEdu podcast. I am passionate about teaching and learning while supporting a school environment that promotes a positive climate. #ShareMOEdu airs every Thursday on iTunes and PodOmatic, highlighting an educator who has a positive message to share. Archives
January 2020
Categories |