Th other morning, I had some students arrive at the door early.
“Can we come in?”
I had done all of my running around set up and was going to be in the room until the bell so I welcomed them in. They were fairly quiet but I still could listen in as I caught up on a little bit of marking. These girls were on a mission. A few of them recorded books they finished the night before in their Reading Workshop folders. Then they started talking books.
“What genres do you need to read more?”
“Have you read any historical fiction titles?”
“I have read a lot of fantasy lately.”
“I think I am going to add some more titles to my book box because I am almost finished my library book.”
“I love book shopping!”
“I haven’t read many humour titles.”
“I have read SO many graphics.”
“Have you read this one?”
“Did you see S’s book box. It’s stuffed!”
“Oh, remember Ms. Gelson book talked this?!”
I have had some wonderful reading conferences this week. Our mini-lessons about navigating first chapters have gone well. The books I have book talked have been sought after and quickly disappeared. Things have often felt right. All of this makes a difference. But sometimes, things don’t feel as right. Some of the lessons that seemed so relevant all of a sudden don’t when we are right in the middle of them. Conferences get interrupted. In those moments, during those weeks, I worry.
But watching these girls at the book shelves one morning this week, helped me remember that what is always working is the formula.
A room full of books + time to read them + daily efforts made to grow book love = a reading community with contagious reading joy.
This is how readers are made. This results in the conversations I witness and don’t start. This means that I can stand back and watch readers on their road to rich reading lives.
Money spent on books. Time shelving and organizing. Pages and pages read so I know what to recommend. Searching for diverse titles so that all kinds of lives and experiences can be found on our shelves.
All of this?
So worth it.
Priceless.
Important to celebrate.
Thank you to Ruth Ayres and the #celebratelu community!
Being part of a community that regularly shares gratitude and celebrations truly transforms my weeks.
There's a Book for That 
Your post reminds me of my celebration! Powerful conversation about books and a classroom that supports readers. PS…I love your bookshelves and display of books. Extremely inviting.
Thanks Maria! I enjoyed your celebrations today 🙂
When you step back and listen, you can discover just what an impact you have made on the reading lives of your students. Wonderful celebration!
My favourite part is the listening in! We can learn so much.
Carrie, I enjoyed this early morning glimpse (look and listen) into your classroom. How gratifying to you! You are making a difference….as always.
All the best,
May
Many thanks May. It is wonderful to see my students so engaged with books!
It’s like you received a special gift when those girls came in, Carrie. I agree with the formula, exactly right! I just finished Booked again for the Cybils poetry work and there is a part in there that was such fun. It really was partly “love” that got him going on reading, but once there, and then a book club, he was “booked”! I’m always happy to read about celebrating books, an important part of my life, and yours I know. Have a good rest of the weekend!
I remember that part. Such a great title! Yes, I love #booklove
Great conversation to celebrate. (And forgive me, but I am so jealous of that beautiful wall of shelves!)
I put that wall of shelves in when I moved classrooms after 21 years. Decided that it was my gift – finally the book shelves I had always wanted. Thanks Ikea!
Love, love, love your formula and what happens as a result: ” This means that I can stand back and watch readers on their road to rich reading lives.” Readers on the road to rich reading lives, now that’s truly something be grateful for and to celebrate! I know you’ve already celebrated your Canadian Thanksgiving, but fall is truly a season of gratitude.
Thanks for stopping by Ramona and for recognizing the power of this formula 🙂
I am so glad you were able to witness this morning conversation. Your equation of reading community with reading joy made me smile widely. Wishing you a wonderful new week!
I am so glad too.
That is the perfect formula!
🙂 Yep!