We’re examining the five traits Wild Readers have in common, according to Donalyn Miller’s book, READING IN THE WILD.
Show Preferences
While Wild Readers show preferences, these “are not fixed. Wild readers move between different types of reading material depending on their needs and interests at any given time.” Preferences may change and grow along with the reader. (p. 169)
“Wild readers develop attachments to beloved authors and types of stories.” Re-reading, re-visiting, returning to these authors and stories is a normal part of an active reading life. (p. 169)
“Encouraging students to read what they want while exposing them to high-interest, engaging, quality texts of all kinds fosters their engagement and provides the diverse experiences they need to find texts that will meet their reading interests and needs both today and tomorrow.” (p. 192)
What do you think?
- Have your reading preferences changed over the years? How so?
- Are you a re-reader?
- If you are a teacher, how to do you expose your students to a wide range of texts?
Finally, a quote I adore:
“I want my students to remember our classroom as a home that they may leave, but it will never leave them. They are forever mine, and I am forever their teacher.” (p. 89)
Thank you, Donalyn, for making such a profound difference and sharing your ideas with the rest of us.
I re-read favorite books all the time. And I’m finding that, as I grow older, I enjoy historical fiction more than I did as a child, and I tend to read less fantasy now. What I don’t read enough of is nonfiction.
Joanne Fritz recently posted…Not that many books in the world
It surprises me to see how much more non-fiction I’ve read in the last few years. Not just research, just plain old books. Also, I was much more interested in fantasy as a girl. Still love a good re-read.
Caroline recently posted…Wild Readers Show Preferences
I would love to be a re-reader. If I were a faster reader, I would re-read more books. Still, I have re-read a few very beloved books. Reading aloud to my family is a good way for me to enjoy books that I’ve read before!
I think it is so important to let kids have the freedom to choose what books (and what kinds of books) they want to read. Otherwise, reading becomes more of a chore than a pleasure. My son went through a phase during which the only thing he would read was BONE (the graphic novel series). I didn’t mind, because he was reading, and he was enjoying it!
Becky recently posted…Moosey Monday: What About Moose? Cover Reveal!
I remember when my older son read the Horrible Harry series again and again. It was below his reading level, but the stories were about kids his age making their way in school, just like he was. So thankful for those books that have been a haven for my boys…and for my former students.
Caroline recently posted…Wild Readers Show Preferences