Monday Musings - April 14, 2014

I'm continuing to share what I learn as I read Reading in the Wild by Donalyn Miller. Habit 3 of "Wild Readers" is that they share books and reading with other readers. Since we have implemented Daily 5/Cafe I have seen both our students and staff become a reading community of people talking about what books they're reading and sharing book recommendations with each other.  
Miller writes that Reading communities have these benefits (p. 98-99):

• Foster connections with other readers.
• Increase how much readers read.
• Challenge readers to stretch.
• Improve readers' enjoyment and appreciation of what they read.
• Suggest titles for additional reading.
• Encourage mindfulness about what you read and share.

As a classroom teacher, I'm almost certain that I committed "Readacide" by giving my students packets and "fun" book reports to complete for each book they read, like making a diorama or creating a brochure for the book. Avid readers don't do things like that for each book they read...they talk about books with other readers and share book recommendations.  Miller points out that "when we finish a book, we consider our personal reactions to it, and if we appreciate it, we share the book."  
What are some ways that you can get students to talk about/share their books?  Some ideas from Miller include:

• Reading Graffiti - a large piece of chart paper on her wall that students can add their own "graffiti" or major catch phrase from the book. Each quote students write is an endorsement for that book.
• Book commercials - take the last five minutes of class time or another transition during the day for students to give a 90 second book commercial to introduce a book they have "endorsed." Ask if anyone else has read it and allow others to share their impressions. Use this time for students to add to their "books to read" list if they get new ideas. 
• Reading Doors - you've all already done this by displaying books you've read on your door to share your reading life with your students.
• Goodreads.com - for both teachers and students to connect with other readers. I have always wanted to join a book club, but just don't have the time. Goodreads has been a great tool for me to expand my reading choices from other readers I connect with there.

What other ways do you have students talk about/share books? I'd love to see other ideas in the comments section.