I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I always knew I wanted to be a reading teacher to help students love reading like me. I earned a Master's Degree of Secondary Education in reading and began teaching a reading class at a local middle school. The students I taught did not love it as I did at their age.
I needed to find a way to put the right book in a student's hand that would start them on the path to becoming a lifelong reader. Through education, extra literacy training, and an ingrained love of reading, I had success with my students.
One year, the results of the Scholastic Reading Inventory (now called simply Reading Inventory), showed a young man in my class was reading below grade level. I discussed his likes and dislikes, then provided him with multiple books to try. I taught different reading strategies and encouraged him to keep a reading journal. At the end of that school year, his reading level increased by seven years. When I saw him again as a student at the career center, I learned he still loved to read and even mentioned the book he was currently reading.
Now I teach English to high school juniors and seniors. The students come from fourteen different sending schools to attend various career-based programs. My focus is to help similar students who "hate to read" or "don't have time to read" to find and develop a passion for reading.
I read a lot of young adult fiction and fantasy in order to provide the right books for students. In addition, as a member of the International Literacy Association, I continue to keep up to date with literacy research and build my skills to be the best teacher I can be.
This blog will provide parents and teachers with reviews of young adult books and literacy strategies based upon research that support teaching reading in a secondary setting.
Teachers and parents, feel free to leave comments or ask questions about reviews or research. I would enjoy hearing other opinions, especially about the books.
I love to work with YA literature as well. It helps draw in reluctant or struggling readers by providing reading material that they can easily relate to. YA lit is becoming much more topical and diverse as time goes on. I look forward to hearing about the titles you're reading and your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteOne book I found helpful is "Book Crush for Kids and Teens" by Nancy Pearl. She puts lists together of books for young kids all way through teens. The lists are set up as "if you liked this book, you might try this book."
ReplyDeleteLike you, I always wanted to be an English teacher. I had some of the most amazing teachers throughout my entire educational career. I also teach high school, and some of my students read significantly below grade level. I am curious about your student who increased his reading level by 7 years. When he used the reading journal, did you provide writing prompts to guide his reading? Do you still use reading journals with your students?
ReplyDeleteI don't really use reading journals anymore as I teach a college writing class now. I do encourage reading and my students must read at least one book a semester and do a presentation. I think the student who increased his reading level did so because we read everyday for at least 20 minutes, sometimes longer. I have done different journals over time. Sometimes it was a specific question a day and sometimes I expected longer responses that would include summarization. Have you incorporated more independent reading choices or do you do class novels?
DeleteHi! As a licensed literacy coach in my state, I love to hear stories about how teachers inspire their students to love reading! I have worked with reluctant learners most of my career (both in K-12 and in college) and try to inspire my students as well. I can't wait for us to trade some strategies that will help students grow as readers!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best strategies I use is the school library and librarian. Ours is great and providing opportunities and activities to connect students with books.
DeleteLynn, I too love that fact that Mrs. P. Reads gives good suggestions on books for kids to read. Some of the titles that you presented I read as a kid. I found it be the most rewarding experience and these titles have always stuck me since I was a teenager. I will continue to read your blog as as teacher of reading students I will pass your blog on to those who are looking for good reads.
DeleteI too love teaching reading techniques to students and love the fact that this is something you love to do as well. I teach reading at the college level and I will say its rewarding. Each semester I teach the reading course my end result is ensure that students walk away with strategies and techniques they can utilize in the next class. I really enjoyed your blog and hope I will be able to read your next blog that you put out.
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