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Ms. Reynolds McKnight’s Classroom Edit display name

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I know, from personal experience and from talking to former students, the reason someone becomes a reader, even when reading is a struggle, is because of good books. Plenty of research exists to show that reading programs and worksheets may (or may not) teach someone to read and may (or may not) improve reading levels, but what really improves vocabulary, writing skills, general knowledge and reading skills is reading –lots and lots of reading. Students need choices and opportunities to try out books to find the ones that will make them want to make the leap into being a reader. Students need books, with stories so rich and interesting, reading is worth the struggle. They need books they do not have to hide from their peers. My students need books, lots of great books, lots of choices. Finding the right book to get a student hooked on reading is what makes the difference in a reader and someone who can read, but mostly doesn’t. I scour used bookstores and library discards and use my book fair “bucks” to build my collection, but it is not enough. I have included books to complete book club collections and books I have not been able to find or afford to fill interest area holes in my classroom library. My students also need to be able to keep a book now and then. Just today, I was praising one of my students for finishing his first chapter book independently – Magic Tree House, Dolphins at Day Break. He looked at me and with the book hugged to his chest, said, “Can I keep it?” How could I say no?

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I know, from personal experience and from talking to former students, the reason someone becomes a reader, even when reading is a struggle, is because of good books. Plenty of research exists to show that reading programs and worksheets may (or may not) teach someone to read and may (or may not) improve reading levels, but what really improves vocabulary, writing skills, general knowledge and reading skills is reading –lots and lots of reading. Students need choices and opportunities to try out books to find the ones that will make them want to make the leap into being a reader. Students need books, with stories so rich and interesting, reading is worth the struggle. They need books they do not have to hide from their peers. My students need books, lots of great books, lots of choices. Finding the right book to get a student hooked on reading is what makes the difference in a reader and someone who can read, but mostly doesn’t. I scour used bookstores and library discards and use my book fair “bucks” to build my collection, but it is not enough. I have included books to complete book club collections and books I have not been able to find or afford to fill interest area holes in my classroom library. My students also need to be able to keep a book now and then. Just today, I was praising one of my students for finishing his first chapter book independently – Magic Tree House, Dolphins at Day Break. He looked at me and with the book hugged to his chest, said, “Can I keep it?” How could I say no?

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