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?
Yes, yes and yes. When I was working in a library, one of the best parts of my job was helping students find books. And as a mother, I love doing that for my kids. It’s especially fun now that my girls and I enjoy reading the same things. Right now I’m reading a book called DRUMS, GIRLS AND DANGEROUS PIE, recommended by my daughter. I’m not usually drawn to contemporary fiction, but this book has such great voice and the story has really drawn me in. That’s happened many times, actually. I generally won’t pick up contemporary fiction unless I’ve read something by that author or one of my daughters recommends it!
I don’t usually set reading goals, but this year I have set goals for myself and for my son, who is a more reluctant reader than my girls. For me, I simply signed up for the gooodreads challenge, so I’m trying to read 50 books this year. 15 to go! And for my son, my goal is simply to get him to keep up with a book until he’s done with it. Ha.
Love this, Becky!