Wild Readers Share Books and Have Reading Plans

We’re examining the five traits Wild Readers have in common, according to Donalyn Miller’s book, READING IN THE WILD.

Share Books and Reading with Other Readers

To raise Wild Readers, all adults must show reading is something “our culture values as a life activity. If we want children to read more, we must provide them with classrooms, libraries, and homes where reading is the norm.” (p. 91)

“Readers need other readers” for discussion and recommendation. Reading relationships enrich the reading experience. (p. 97)

“Building relationships with other readers sustains a student’s interest in reading because it reinforces that reading is an acceptable and desirable pastime.” (p. 98)

Teachers need to consciously expose their readers to a variety of “books, authors, genres, and writing styles” so they might “branch out and try reading experiences they might not discover or attempt on their own.” (p. 98)

Have Reading Plans

Classroom assignments must “support students’ development of wild reading habits,” not “hinder them.” (p. 139)

Kids need to see their teachers actively reading and planning “ways to expand [their own] reading lives.” (p. 147)

“Who can say what books will mark my students’ lives? It’s not my journey, but I am happy to walk alongside them for a few miles. Perhaps a few of the books I invited my students to read will become part of their personal canons. I hope they find many more without me.” (p. 161)

What do you think?

• Do you regularly share titles with fellow readers or students?
• Have you picked up and enjoyed a book a book on recommendation that wasn’t your typical preference?
• Do you set reading goals? What are they like?