Today, every student, teacher, and staff member of my school lined the hallways and read at the same time for 10 minutes. It was really neat to see everyone sitting down, enjoying their book of choice, and talking about their reading. I brought a book that I have recently started and sat down right beside my kiddos and read too.
The really great part was that when the Media Specialist announced that the time was over, the entire first grade stayed in the hall and continued reading until one of the teachers asked what time we go in and I answered that they already announced that we could. We were all so involved in our books that we didn't even notice that everyone else had already left and returned to their classrooms. I wish I had more time to just sit and read a book for myself in my classroom and show my students that I not only practice what I preach, but that I have to force myself not to read when I should be doing something else. But, as my mom reminds me, that is the story of my life. I always had a book with me and would rather be reading than doing anything else.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my book!
I love this idea! I don't think kids see us read enough. I'm going to suggest this at my school Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you! I know that we get so strapped for time, and my team have worked really hard to arrange a schedule where we get to read more often with the most needy students. But, I can't help but flash back to those days in elementary school of Drop Everything And Read! We can tell them that we love reading, and we can read books to them, but I personally think it doesn't convey the same message as showing them that we read a book that is just for us, too.
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ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteEven I was watching you read. Your face was so relaxed as your eyes so quickly scanned the pages. I thought, I wonder what I look like reading? I didn't even notice the others leaving!
It really is one of my favorite things to do! My friends on either side were trying to chat and I tried soooo hard not to shush them! I was also going crazy with all the chatter in the halls. I learned that I find it extremely difficult to concentrate when talking is going on. I'm so spoiled by being able to go to a quiet nook in my house and be by myself to read.
DeleteWe did 15 minutes of DEAR today. I went around to capture pictures for the website. The K/1 wing was my favorite - so much "active" reading, unlike the "silent" reading from my 3/4 wing!
ReplyDeleteNice slice! So often I want to tell my students how lucky they are to *have* to read a book of their choice, Happy Read Across America Day!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome way to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully fun day! Actually reading to celebrate Dr. Suess - love that kind of celebration!
ReplyDeleteAnd that the kids were so involved they kept on reading well after those 10 minutes - a thing of beauty.
Happy slicing challenge!