We’re examining the five traits Wild Readers have in common, according to Donalyn Miller’s book, READING IN THE WILD.
Dedicate Time to Read
Children need time to read, and some of that time should be during the school day. “Our students must see themselves as readers, or they will never embrace reading beyond school.” (p. 9)
Self-Select Reading Material
Children need to be given the opportunity to try a variety of books “even if they don’t work out.” (p. 59)
“Books teach you how to read them…When students self-select books, we must value their choices as much as possible. This means accepting failed attempts when readers choose books that don’t work out or select books that span a range of reading levels.” (p. 62)
Ideally teachers lead children to books they think they will enjoy, with the aim “to help [students] develop self-confidence in choosing books themselves.” (p. 73)
What do you think?
- When you were a child, did your teacher dedicate classroom time to reading?
- If you are a teacher, are you able to do this in your room?
- How did the opportunity / lack of opportunity to self select books as a child later affect your reading life?
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