Scene one: Reading Workshop. Conferences. Question this week is “How are you feeling about your progress with your Reading Challenge? What’s happening?”

Ms Gelson: Asks the question

Student: “It’s going really well. I have read so many books! Last year I just mostly read graphics. But since I’ve been in your class, I’ve read so many novels. I really like realistic fiction. And I LOVE historical!”

Ms. Gelson (outwardly) Smiles and takes furious notes. Checks student’s Reading Challenge chart. Smiles bigger.

(inwardly) Cartwheels. Like twelve of them!

Scene two: Thirty minutes later. Word Work. Students working independently. Resource Teacher arrives.

Ms. Gelson: Shares this quote from student. (Beaming)

Resource Teacher: (Expected big smile) “Amazing. That sounds like something you told her to say.”

Ms. Gelson: “I know! It’s that good.”

Various later scenes: Teacher engaged in various reflective moments recognizing the strength of the current reading community. The over stuffed book boxes. The long lists of names of students wanting to read titles just book talked. The student who is suddenly taking a book home every night. The hopeful requests, “Can you get the next one in the series?” The engagement during independent reading time. A reading community.

I know.

It’s that good.

I am participating in the Slice of Life challenge to write and publish a post every day in March.

Slice of Life is hosted by Two Writing Teachers. I thank them for the community they provide. Read more slices here.