"Strong readers read a lot." Such a simple concept, but unfortunately, it's an idea that's not taken seriously, especially by teenagers! I am so excited to take on 7th grade ELA again this year. I love hearing their input, seeing them draw connections, apply texts to real life and generally grow as humans. We do have one big problem though:
Most of my students don't read.
Not that they can't read, of course! They understand how words work, can politely analyze a text, and pass the class. But ask them what their favorite book is and you'll get a blank stare. Ask them to choose a book they're interested in for a report, and many of them won't know where to begin.
I believe that the biggest factor is students have been fed the lie that books are boring, and to be fair, when I look at a typical classroom bookshelf - including my own - I'm less than enthused. Much of what we give teens is dry, depressing, and inapplicable. Is it any wonder then that they don't know how to pick a book that interests them?
I hope to create a bookshelf of truly interest-based, applicable novels for my students to browse and borrow from. Whether that's an animal book like Misty of Chincoteague, a sports book like The Blind Side, or a fantasy book like The Hobbit, I want to put together a selection of books that will tap into everyone's interests. This way, my students will read widely, strengthen their reading skills, learn about new perspectives from book characters, and maybe decide that reading isn't a waste of time after all.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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