Did you know that the average American reads at between a 7th to 8th-grade reading level? Also, according to a recent study conducted by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, adults around the world are declining in their abilities to read on an average level?
Helping middle school students become independent life-long readers has never been more important! So how do we help students enjoy reading independently and become life-long readers? It is not as hard as you think…below are three ways to build a culture of independent readers in your classroom.
# 1 Library Time is Not Just for Elementary Students
Make books accessible to your students. Take students to the library regularly. I know what you might be thinking…”I can’t give up a whole period to the library every week… I have so much I need to cover during class.” I FEEL YA!
But giving students time in the library does not need to be a whole class period. I take my 8th grade Reading students to the library the last 15 minutes on Mondays to exchange books and grab a few minutes of reading time. Giving students a short, set time helps them to make decisions on book choices and to be more productive with their library time.
A visit to the library also sets a great tone for the rest of the week and is something my students look forward to. I only take full periods in the library when the class has research, a project, or before a holiday when I am encouraging them to read more than one book.
#2 Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery
Create HYPE about a book to hook students. Take a few minutes during a class warm-up or at the end of a class, when the lesson finishes a few minutes early, to promote a book. I always like to share what I am reading with students.
Of course, I make sure it is appropriate for their age group before sharing. I also like to print pictures of the cover of the books: I am currently reading, a book I just finished reading, and a book I want to read and post them somewhere in the classroom for students.
If possible I try to share about books I know I have a few copies of or is in our school library. You would be SURPRISED how, even in middle school, students want to read what the teacher is reading. I have never talked about a book that didn’t fly off the shelf by the end of the day!
Sharing what you are reading, have read, and want to read is also a great way to build relationships with your students. It gives students an opportunity to relate to you and provides conversation starts.
# 3 Get Your Game ON!
Lastly, create excitement about reading with a game or incentive. One of my favorite games to share with students is READING BINGO. The bingo cards have suggestions of genres and reading challenges for students to help support their independent reading choices. Students use the reading suggestions on the bingo card to create a reading strategy. I have created several different versions of the cards to challenge different levels of readers. The bingo squares can say things like read a mystery book, read a poem, read a nonfiction book, read to someone, and show the teacher your library card.
Reading Bingo can be a great game for students who need reading goals, but also for students who need enrichment activities to challenge them. This activity can span a quarter or a whole school year. Reading Bingo also makes a great SUMMER Reading activity!
Build a Culture of Independent Reading TODAY!
In conclusion, helping middle school students become independent, life-long readers start with creating the culture of reading. Creating that culture starts with giving students access and opportunities to read, modeling good reading habits, providing incentives and a roadmap to reading goals. Start building a culture of independent reading in the classroom today!
Want to read more reading tips for the classroom? Check out some of my other articles and shop my teacher store! Want my bingo cards? click HERE
Thanks for reading!
Happy Teaching,
Jenny
