At the beginning of the year, we evaluated our Iowa state award list and felt it was not a diverse list of outstanding literature. Many titles just did not speak to our hearts and minds. We saw a problem and said, "What can we do about this situation?" In conjunction, our class was creating individual reading goals to promote a 'Culture of Readers' at Hopewell.
So... we decided to create our own list - of the students, by the students, for the students. Searching for books that should be included on the list was the first step. This involved walking up and down the shelves, going over lists of books, talking to other students about their favorite books and authors, and investigating titles that were currently on other state award lists. It was truly a process that involved bantering back and forth, sorting, making piles, evaluating stories and finding titles that would appeal to different readers. A treasure hunt, of sorts, to find the perfect books for students. We ultimately decided on a list of 19 titles which we hope students that were in grades 4th-6th will be encouraged to read. After reading, we hope you will then vote for their favorite book.
Next came the brainstorming process to determine how to promote our titles. A website seemed to be the most effective way to communicate with readers around the world and allow for others to get excited about our list.
This whole project involved multiple revisions. In the midst of our revision process, it became apparent that we were running out of time. Hence, our problem gave way to a brilliant idea. Instead of doing a reading list that would occur during the school year, the program has now changed to a summer reading program. We realized that when summer rolls around, students sometimes don't know what to read. They're looking for ideas. Or, perhaps they need a little motivation. So, we decided to modify our idea. Instead of kids reading the books during the school year, they could read our National Summer Readers' Award Book List over the summer!
By modifying our idea a little bit, students will be encouraged to not only read during their class time, but to engage in reading during their vacation days as well. Reading is extremely important, and we want students to choose to read, not just because their teachers tell them to.
So... we decided to create our own list - of the students, by the students, for the students. Searching for books that should be included on the list was the first step. This involved walking up and down the shelves, going over lists of books, talking to other students about their favorite books and authors, and investigating titles that were currently on other state award lists. It was truly a process that involved bantering back and forth, sorting, making piles, evaluating stories and finding titles that would appeal to different readers. A treasure hunt, of sorts, to find the perfect books for students. We ultimately decided on a list of 19 titles which we hope students that were in grades 4th-6th will be encouraged to read. After reading, we hope you will then vote for their favorite book.
Next came the brainstorming process to determine how to promote our titles. A website seemed to be the most effective way to communicate with readers around the world and allow for others to get excited about our list.
This whole project involved multiple revisions. In the midst of our revision process, it became apparent that we were running out of time. Hence, our problem gave way to a brilliant idea. Instead of doing a reading list that would occur during the school year, the program has now changed to a summer reading program. We realized that when summer rolls around, students sometimes don't know what to read. They're looking for ideas. Or, perhaps they need a little motivation. So, we decided to modify our idea. Instead of kids reading the books during the school year, they could read our National Summer Readers' Award Book List over the summer!
By modifying our idea a little bit, students will be encouraged to not only read during their class time, but to engage in reading during their vacation days as well. Reading is extremely important, and we want students to choose to read, not just because their teachers tell them to.
To learn more about our "Culture of Readers", click the button below
Erin says:
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Uma says:
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