It is the 2nd quarter of the first semester of 4th grade. My kids and I have read many books. I’ve sought out ways to get students to enjoy reading. Sometimes it is required reading, other times not. Whatever the case, we sure are enjoying the world of books. Read Alouds are always my first choice (the benefit is for another post). Then there is Book Talks. I love to see the excitement that erupts when kids scramble to read a book another kid just shared about. Talk about a spark! Today in my Fourth grade class, reading takes place everyday. And for all but a few, it is a thrill and not a chore.
Do we reflect? Yes!
Do we have written responses? Yes!
Do we have required reading? Yes!
Do we have free choice? Still Yes!
Do we acquire new vocabulary? Yes
Do we just enjoy our reads without assessments or ‘academic’ expectations? Very much so!
Reading happens independently and in community; in any position and at different times during the school day, with extra expectations and without.
We have read books with colors, we have read books without.
We have read books with many chapters, we have read some with none. We have read aloud together, we have read aloud in pairs. We have read in silent mutterings in our seats and on the floor.
We have shed a tear or two cos our reading was so true. We have laughed and sighed, “how silly,” for the times our books were goofy.
From our books we learned to care, as we saw each others strengths-Junkyard Wonders. We had some deep conversations, of life and even death.
A little spot of kindness goes a long way books revealed- A Spot of Kindness. Though some books made us scared cos standing up for what’s right could cost lives-Number the stars; Still we learned to use our voices but not when we did erupt- My mouth is a Volcano.
Some classics made a show and o we love them so. From Heidi to Holes, not one dry day is in sight.
Shakespeare did find a home in our desks and in our bags. It didn’t stop there cos his books have all become so dear.
We had many a book talks revealing our connections. And boy are we so glad to see the world through our reflections.
This is the last quarter of the semester and it’s safe to say we fourth graders are questers. We are building up our words & world with books that we have read.
From picture books to chapters books, not one is out of reach. From fiction to non-fiction either one is still a treat.
We’ve shared our reads with first graders, and sometimes with the fifth. We’ve written up a tale or two, we’re sure to let you read. Few times we make a BINGO with the books that we have read; most times we just enjoy a read and live to share the thrill.
So if you happen to pass by or maybe pay a visit, just pause and share some gleanings from the book that you are reading. We’ll read and read and read some more, and live to tell the thrill. Please do your kids a favor and let them read, for it’s a win!
