Cuddle Up with a Good Book
Using a Reading Nook to Motivate Reading (Virtual Tour)
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 1: Beginning LiteracyStage 2: Consolidation / Fluency
Ages:
6-10
Grade Range:
1st 2nd 3rd 4thFood Groups:
Primary: Motivation for Literacy
Transcript
This is my classroom's beloved reading nook, and I'm a firm believer that kids need to feel comfortable when they're reading. It's realistic that when you curl up to a good book you find somewhere comfortable to read, as opposed to sitting straight up at your desk. The purple bean bag is probably one of the most popular spots. We have a three person rule for it. I also throw in a bunch of pillows, our class pet Wally the bull dog, and it's just great to see students cozy up, read with one another, read to one another in a place that really allows it and welcomes it. When I start to find out who is going to be in class next year, I try and find out what their interests are, where their reading levels are and I try and build my library based on that. So we have labeled baskets with titles that they're familiar with, reading levels I know that are going to match their reading styles, and potentially other books that will capture their interests and maybe a good next step when they're ready for the next level of reading. It's always changing, it can always be updated, especially, the best news that I can hear is when students start requesting books they'd like to have in the reading library. The baskets are easily transferrable; they're always welcome to move them to another spot or to their desk. So my students have learned to really love this area and one of the best connections has been they love reading in this area. And that's a really important thing that needs to happen in their lives, that they love reading and they can find a way that makes it the most enjoyable and the most comfortable for them. And it's almost become a kids only section, I'll try and step in and they'll say "Oh Miss. David, this is for kids only. This is our reading nook," and sometimes that's the best news a teacher could ever hear.
Related References
Activity Objective
The goal of Cuddle Up with a Good Book: Using a Reading Nook to Motivate Reading (Virtual Tour) is to encourage reading for pleasure by providing a cozy area where students can read preferred books quietly or with a friend.
Quick Tips
Additional Comments:
- Incorporate students' interests and reading skills when choosing books.
- To facilitate easy access to books, organize your reading nook by genre, subject, author, or reading levels.
- Use beanbag chairs or pillows to make the reading nook comfortable and inviting.
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