Here’s the truth about independent reading in a middle school classroom: If we, as teachers, can’t–on the spot–pull a book and recommend it to a student, we’re going to lose them. This statement from Kristy in today’s episode hit the nail on the head because it is so poignantly accurate.
Creating a community of readers, particularly amid overwhelming amounts of technological distractions, takes persistent work. It requires a library–on the shelves of your classroom–to maintain that community, demonstrate and spread enthusiasm for reading, and consistently engage students in stories.
In today’s episode, middle school reading expert Kristy, from 2 Peas and a Dog, shares her perspective on how having a classroom library enhances the quality of reading engagement in the classroom. She also shares how to choose the right books for your library, because as Kristy notes, a classroom library is a curated collection of texts arranged with your students in mind.
She also offers her best suggestions for creating the classroom library of your dreams–without breaking the bank. Kristy’s passion and dedication to sharing her love of reading with students and educators is contagious, so get comfy and listen in because you won’t want to miss this episode.
You can find more from Kristy on her blog, in her TpT store, or on Social Media.
Today you will hear:
- [02:40] Kristy shares what a classroom library truly is
- [04:30] Why a classroom library is important
- [08:22] Why you don’t need to read every book in your classroom library
- [08:55] Kristy’s tips for finding appropriate novels for your library
- [13:25] Kristy’s suggestions for filling your classroom library
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