Building Independent Readers Class

Trying to get our students to be independent readers during Readers' Workshop can be tricky. We want to build classroom strategies to help students become independent, motivated, intentional readers. I just finished my first class from Linda Lee and Mary Haymond. "Building Independent Readers: A SystemicApproach" was published by Scholastic Books in 2012. 

These two dynamic teachers use a three-part Readers’ Workshop model. 

Part 1:  10-15 minute: mini-lesson

Part 2: 45-50 minute: independent reading

Part 3: 10 minute: share circle

Both Linda and Mary agree that most of their first grade students can read for 50 minutes straight by January!   Amazing!!  These students spend time building stamina in order to reach the 5o minute goal. 

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Inspiring Reluctant Readers: National Bookmobile Day

Reluctant readers are found in our classrooms and homes. I just love finding books about struggling readers! Author, Heather Henson wrote a book called “That Book Woman.”  

Teenage Cal is the main character.  He is growing up in the isolated Appalachian Mountains. He just cannot understand why his little sister loves to read, until the "Book Woman" arrives.  This story is based upon the true Pack Horse Librarians, known as "Book Women" in Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky.

Author Heather Henson has a blog at http://www.heatherhensonbooks.com/books.html.


Pack Horse Librarian History Sites:

http://www.appalachianhistory.net/2011/01/pack-horse-librarians.html

http://newdeal.feri.org/library/j_1k_bg.htm

http://www.kykinfolk.com/knott/bookwomen_easternkentucky.htm

http://newdeal.feri.org/works/wpa07.htm


"Pegusus" Washington State's First Bookmobile:

http://www.historylink.org/_content/printer_friendly/pf_output.cfm?file_id=5439

http://www.libraryhistorybuff.org/bookmobile.htm

National Bookmobile Day: