LIBE 477 - Inquiry Post #1: Fostering Reading Cultures in Schools

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TL Captain's Blog. Stardate 2020.283

Inquiry Post #1 - Fostering Reading Cultures in Schools

Currently, in my classroom (secondary math and science) the extent of my reading culture is that we have silent reading time at the beginning of each block for 20 minutes, and I model my thinking around how to read a science textbook. 

After reading some things from my LIBE courses, I am going to start reading during that time also, to model the importance of reading to my students, but also to show that it's enjoyable! Then I can make current book suggestions to them once I'm done! I am also going to book a time to take my class down to the library, not just to sign out silent reading books, but to have the librarian do a tour of the library sections and help students to locate books that they may want to read or are at their level. 

When I was in a TL position, obviously much more of my day was dedicated to fostering reading cultures in my school, however, I was split between three schools and two of the schools only had me there for book exchange. I did the usual things like reading to my classes and doing author visits, as well as Drop Everything and Read activities, Scholastic Bookfairs, and book clubs. I also managed the iPads and loaded down a few reading apps for student's to use. Lexia was a popular app for reading recovery with teachers, but I know that there are so many other ways to foster a love a reading! 

I focused my search on fostering a reading culture in high school, as that is where I would like to end up. In order to pick two strawberries with one hand (as opposed to killing the poor birdies), I thought I would gather my top 10 ways that I could promote a reading culture in my high school and create a Piktochart, as I would like to further explore this technology anyways for my final project. 

Edit: Oh my gosh, you guys. I LOVE PIKTOCHART!!!! That was so much fun and sooooo satisfying. This will definitely be a website that include in my final project for student inquiry presentation.



Comments

  1. Alison MackleyOctober 12, 2020 at 2:12 PM

    Hi Linnea,

    I just found this and wanted to send it to you before I forgot. https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/75803308/posts/2957477413
    The link is for posters for Drop Everything and Read Day on October 26th. Thought you might be interested.
    Alison - fellow Orca

    ReplyDelete
  2. D.McNeeOctober 12, 2020 at 8:26 PM

    This is an excellent post! Your infographic is a creative way to share your research. Infographics are heavily featured in the new literacy and numeracy exams for secondary. I strongly believe that students should practice creating their own. Not only is it an excellent way to synthesize learning, limit plagiarism and teach visual literacy skills; it will also help students learn to read and interpret information from this format. Thanks for learning something new and sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. CaaityOctober 14, 2020 at 5:46 PM

    Linnaea,
    Your Piktochart is so great! I found it to be a great way to get your ideas across in a fun and engaging way. I have used Canva a lot for building posters and infographics and I really like it, but I may need to check out Piktochart to see how it measures up as well.
    The idea of including staff and teachers in your events and featuring them in displays like "Caught Reading" is so fun, and I think that it will really show students that reading can be enjoyed outside of school and by everyone. I saw an activity where teachers and staff took pictures of their home bookshelves, and then a challenged was posed to students to try to match the person to their shelve, and I thought that could be such a fun way to bring teachers and students together in their love of reading.
    Thank you for sharing your top 10, I am inspired to look into these ideas further.
    -Caitlyn

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    Replies
    1. TL Captain MurrayOctober 14, 2020 at 10:12 PM

      Hi Caitlyn, ohhh I'll have to check out Canva and compare! I feel like I could spend all day turning everything into an infographic.

      Delete
    2. CarissaCOctober 15, 2020 at 9:04 PM

      I had never heard of Piktochart before this and wow! I looove infographics so this is great!

      I like the point you made about students needing to see their students reading. Its really important we model what we teach! I really enjoyed reading your top 10, and wish you lots of luck as you continue your reading culture journey!

      Delete
  4. Janelle Ten HaveOctober 18, 2020 at 11:55 AM

    Hi Linnea!

    Your Piktochart is so well done, very engaging! I agree with and relate to many of your points. The one that resonated with me the most was the "Caught Reading" bit. When I was in the classroom setting, I used to love reading when my class was doing silent reading. I found that they were often quieter and more settled when I also spent the time reading in silence with them. Great post!

    ReplyDelete

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