Build a reading community with these 7 words
First full week of school and our reading culture is growing strong! On Friday, I asked students to complete this sentence in their reading notebook.
I am the kind of reader who…
I did not give them any direction beyond that. I simply set the timer for 5 minutes and invited them to write. My student teacher and I sat down and did the same in our notebooks. I looked up a few times to check on them but mostly, I just wrote. After the timer went off, I encouraged students to reread what they wrote and mark a line or word they would like to share. I explained that we would do a symphony share. Rather than raising your hand and waiting for the teacher to call on you, you simply read your line when there is a pause just as musicians play in a symphony. The result was pure magic! Here are a few takeaways:
Sometimes less is more when it comes to directions. I believe in the power of modeling, and active engagement but when it comes to shorter reading and writing activities, I like to give a prompt and see where it takes them. My students always surprise me!
Writing alongside your students is powerful! Seeing me as a writer breaks down the power dynamic between teacher and student and. as a result, students are less likely to turn to me and say, “I don’t know what to write”. When the whole room is writing, they are more likely to put their doubts aside and just write.
A symphony share can be magical! I love this practice and use it all the time. It can be slow to start at first, but once students see their peers share, they are more likely to jump in and share their line. I share as well. Hearing students complete line, “I am the kind of reader who…” over and over sounds like a song.
Our class community is off to a strong start! We begin each independent reading session with a short reflective reading and writing activity inspired by my friend and literacy guru, Stephanie Affinito (you must check out her website and podcasts). Then we dive right into reading time. I can’t wait to see what the year brings!
