8 Ways to Create A Culture of Reading In Your Classroom
Reading is one of the most important skills that students can learn. It opens up a world of knowledge and experiences, and it helps students develop their critical thinking skills. However, not all students are naturally drawn to reading. Some students may find it difficult to focus on a book, or they may not be interested in the books that are available in their classroom.
As a teacher, you can play a vital role in helping students develop a love of reading. By creating a classroom centered around a culture of reading, you can help students see the value of reading and make it a part of their everyday lives.
Here are a few tips for creating a classroom centered around a culture of reading:
- Make reading a priority. Give students time in class everyday to read. This can be at any point during your class, but make a point of giving students the time to read. During this time, let students choose what they are reading and where they read. Practicing this everyday will help your students understand the value of reading and mastering literacy skills.
- Create a comfortable reading environment. Make sure that your classroom is a welcoming and inviting place to read. When students are given the free time to read, allow students to roam and choose where they are seated. Make reading an event as well. Take your students somewhere else in the building and set class up there for the day. This makes reading more enjoyable and less demanding for students.
- Encourage students to talk about books. Talk about books with your students during class discussions, and encourage them to talk about books with each other. This will help them to share their thoughts and feelings about books, and it will help them to develop a deeper understanding of the texts they are reading.
- Create a reading nook and classroom library. Every classroom should have a library filled with books of different levels, topics, and length. Have an extensive selection of books for students to choose from and give your students free reign over the library. Books should be about various different subjects that students can relate to. You can even establish a library-like system where students can check out books for a certain amount of time.
- Celebrate reading achievements. When students read a book, take the time to celebrate their achievement. Create a poster with students' names on it where they can display the titles of books they've read. Hang this in a prominent space in the classroom or out in the hallway so students can show off their reading accomplishments. If you utilize social media in the classroom, create a post shouting out students' achievements. This will help them to feel proud of their accomplishments, and it will encourage them to continue reading.
- Make books available in a variety of formats. Not all students learn the same way, and some students may prefer to listen to books rather than read them. Make sure that there are books available in a variety of formats, including print, audio, and e-books.
- Provide opportunities for students to choose their own books. When students are able to choose their own books, they are more likely to be engaged in the reading process. Make sure that you have a variety of books available to choose from, and that you regularly add new books to your classroom library. Instead of having a class novel, have multiple. Give students choices on the book they read for a unit. This will allow students to enjoy the unit more and make students motivated to read.
- Host author visits or book clubs. Team up with administration and invite a guest author into your classroom or school. They can discuss with students the authorial process, what types of book they write, and why they love reading. Having students connect with author is a great way to foster a love for reading. Host an after-school book club for students as well. Choose books appropriate for students' reading level and discuss them. When students see you engaged in a book you're reading they are more likely to be engaged in it as well.
By following these tips, you can create a classroom where students are surrounded by books and where reading is a valued activity. Taking the time to create a classroom centered around a culture of reading, you can help students to develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
