#ukedchat Archive
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Thursday October 20, 2016
It's 8pm - this evening is exploring: Getting them Reading for Pleasure
Six questions to follow. Answer with A1, A2, A3 etc :-)
- Question 1:
What activities does your school plan to encourage reading for pleasure?
Hi everyone! Excited to be participating in my first ! I'm the Head of Learning and a former primary school teacher!
Welcome. Looking forward to your insight into reading for pleasure.
A1: Reading breakfasts have been a winner https://t.co/nQnuUBDYSg
- Question 1:
What activities does your school plan to encourage reading for pleasure?
A1: A first step to helping Ss read 4 pleasure is having a library that lets Ss find books at their level & aligned w/ interests!
Could you outline some of the details? Any problems you encountered?
What happens at a reading breakfast? Sounds exciting!
we run reading competitions.
making reading social is so important! Even as an adult I love using and participating in book clubs!
A1 we use Renascence reading so students quiz after reading a book in registration and have reading weeks
Reading breakfasts: time to do shared or individual reading over a breakfast.Made it special. Who doesn't love hot choc!
a1 quiet reading daily with a book of choice, author visits, library visits, book lunchtime clubs doing practical stuff.
Do you run reading breakfasts before or during school time? https://t.co/vtY4ATlK3B
Reading breakfasts: time to do shared or individual reading over a breakfast.Made it special. Who doesn't love hot choc!
we have prizes and try our best to get adults on board. A lot of primary problems stem from adults not reading enough.
A1 Group reading once per week, library time with a good mix of new fiction + non fiction books for chn to choose from
- Question 1 again:
What activities does your school plan to encourage reading for pleasure?
- Question 1 again:
What activities does your school plan to encourage reading for pleasure?
we have daily reading sessions. Also adults read a book in front of children. We all are readers together.
Seeking restorative practice help! Looking for example 'sanctions' that develop skills and/or restore cohesion...
Before school. Bring a book. Grab some breakfast & a beanbag!
Have can we engage adults to help engage pupils?
author visits work really well, I was very excited to meet Johnathan Stroud
- Question 2:
What are favourite classic books that really help children acquire a love for reading?
And that is key - chn need to see adults reading for pleasure so they can replicate
Looking for experiences in managing a set of android tablets (particularly locking them down)
Before school. This year we are going to do a shared read. Previously it has been just being own book.
So, older students reading with younger ones?
We are also not precious about what chn read for pleasure. Lots of my class choosing great
https://t.co/84r1ezy3xC
planned & co ordinated by English leader-aim is children who don't read for pleasure at home read for pleasure LOADS at school
Anything by Roald Dahl - such a fabulous weaver of language.
Completely agree Dahl is a great way to hook pupils into reading, at any level
A2 My favourite is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Year 4 projects about it have been fab. Love Roald Dahl too
https://t.co/84r1ezy3xC
planned & co ordinated by English leader-aim is children who don't read for pleasure at home read for pleasure LOADS at school
We are doing that with Reading Revolutionaries programme. https://t.co/RJfM63fnKp
So, older students reading with younger ones?
A2: For younger Ss I love teaching anything by Dr Seuss and Eric Carle. Ss love the illustrations, predictable texts, and themes.
There's something for anyone - accessible fiction with great stories. Quality picture books are great too
Intrigued What is all about?
Reading breakfasts were for ks3. Come along, bring a book, have some breakfast & just read.
My Y4 class love me reading Seuss to them - helps that they are amongst my favourites...
we also take our children to the library. 👍🏻
What food was on the menu? In seriousness, how effective and popular was it?
Public library or in school?
A library? What is one of these? 🙄
Same here. The library ppl came to talk to Yr 4s last yr with new library cards + a competition.
A2: For older Ss I love series books. Ss get invested in recurring characters & want to keep reading to see what happens next!
all children involved in reading rangers are enjoying reading together for 20 mins at lunch such a lot👍
We do World Book Day in a big way every year - celebration of reading, books & all child led
Looking at Foyles Foundation - was the application process easy enough?
Question 2 reminder
What are favourite classic books that really help children acquire a love for reading?
Authors please?
Hot chocolate, juice, bacon & sausage toast, muffins etc. Our kids love a good breakfast! https://t.co/VuxOOdOPNF
What food was on the menu? In seriousness, how effective and popular was it?
in my previous school we gave vouchers to readers for complete a set number of books.
we have a 70 min lunch break though. Eating, playing, feedback marking & reading all fits in well.
Doing News of the Week with Sixth Form tutor group tomorrow. Don't want to cover US election again, so what should the focus be?
School has reading buddies 3x a week - older c'ren read with younger c'ren, less able readers for 10 mins first thing
& & might be able to chip in here. All interested in people reading for pleasure.
You Choose by Pippa Goodheart and Nick Sharratt is an astounding picture book - endless possibilities!
your local library should have a list of author contacts.
Only 5 Free tickets remaining for my "Coaching for the Soul" Workshop in Nov - Get yours now! https://t.co/1qfKOkFAgd …
My Y4 class read with Reception once a week - great for my kids that are reluctant to read to me. I observe and read...
we also offer lunchtime reading clubs in the school library.
It can make a real difference to both the young reader and the older buddy
- Question 3:
What are the biggest obstacles in encouraging children to read for pleasure?
Book Snobbery! It should be about chn reading what they WANT to - not what we think they should be reading
I love a good picture books.
A2 Enid Blyton, whoever write artemis fowl, Roald Dahl,
Show children that reading isn't always about text. Reading can be about looking at an excellent picture book.
Absolutely - reading scheme books should not be used in reading for pleasure! Would rather see chn with comics etc
A3: Sometimes an obstacle is simply finding enough examples of adults who read for pleasure in the lives of our Ss.
When reading for pleasure is difficult for learners, it may be an idea to switch to poetry: short, many possibilities, accessible!
Endless comprehension questions - written activities. Let children read for pleasure NOT to write a book review
But how can we record progress 🙄 WE NEED TO SHOW PROGRESS!
We've just enlisted some parent helpers, not to hear readers but to read to chn. Got a couple of men coming in too
Difficulty in making time within a crowded curriculum.
Easily the biggest put off! We too often force children to read what we want or think is appropriate! https://t.co/utcXwXTAFw
Book Snobbery! It should be about chn reading what they WANT to - not what we think they should be reading
Lack of choice - c'ren should be able to chose what they want to read for pleasure
Completely, and that's an age old problem. But do people read more now? With mobile devices etc? Question quality!
A3 Ours was a lack of reading material available in chn's homes so a library was created + it is used really well.
Completely We talk about genres later, but you're correct here.
Yes! And showing Ss that more people read than they think. Magazines, newspapers, & online publications count too!
I consider that poor and lazy teaching practice
Our new library will be a broad church!
children automatically think they will be expected to work after the book!
No scope to challenge that within school?
Reading for pleasure is part of the curriculum though...
Was there never previously a library in school?
a3 competing against Ipads etc, parents who don't/can't read or take them to a library, fixed mindsets about reading
What happened to the 'old' library?
food and reading. Blissful.
I take your point, but do you think we should be utilising the tech to encourage a joy in reading?
We're doing Warhorse as a whole class novel at the moment - kids cheered when I told them
Like most things in our old school, needs an investment of time/money. Lacked focus but we're on it now!
There's so much pressure on raising standards - reading for pleasure doesn't provide evidence of achieving NC objectives
Absolutely nothing wrong with using a reading app if that works for some. content not form!
School governors raise concerns over academisation-find out what governor's said in our recent survey https://t.co/usccpoIoB2
A topical question. https://t.co/P5JIQvtEHZ
I take your point, but do you think we should be utilising the tech to encourage a joy in reading?
https://t.co/B67hscNbIx
We had/have book corners in each classrm. Our sch library has a wide range of books, with bar codes & chn have real library cards!
https://t.co/CZkhBKdOzz
encyclopaedia is an excellent resource with three reading levels and great images/videos to support the text
Question 4:
How do you ensure that children have easy access to books, to encourage their reading pleasure?
https://t.co/xAe9rCjSRF
There are a lot of great resources available to help with funding if you know where to look! (At least here in US...)
of course, but real books must be encouraged!
Encouraged, but not enforced?
A library filled with things they want - we are asking our chn what books they would like to have
we have just invested a large amount in a new library. The children love it
You have an unlimited budget? And there’s another thing. Can schools now buy books sensibly (funding wise)?
What happened to the old one?
Certainly not! Small, rural school so we have to do less with more. PTA supporting the project
With further support from the community? Book donations etc?
Good idea. Ask them rather than tell them what they like https://t.co/0W2g4LcUnp
A library filled with things they want - we are asking our chn what books they would like to have
Ooh, we’re already on Question 4:
How do you ensure that children have easy access to books, to encourage their reading pleasure?
definitely something that is disappearing from some schools.
Every person reads for 15 minutes every day
https://t.co/4jDCR1ENpW
Although books are important. The use of technology to encourage reading is vital for developing children's interest.
we have a new school. It was flattened along with school
A3- overcoming the misconception that 'it's boring!' We've got to get them hooked early-readers for life!
That is the cunning plan - I buy everything child friendly in our local charity shop too.
central part of our school and we have a full time librarian
it is. I think that's sad
https://t.co/i9BhEidw0N
and as the teachers read out loud they talk through their processes as a reader (like shared writing).
Nor mine - but it's a fantastic book and the kids love it - we then do a film study on it too
Our library is open some lunchtimes for chn who want to change books before library slot!
Brilliant and inspirational. Just a friendly chat to the staff at local charity shops can pay dividends
I am glad you had a library installed.
totally agree - but many still view it as a staple of teaching reading and expect to see written evidence!!
Ask me about the Liverpool Quality Mark and how you can use it to drive RfP in your school.
a librarian is a real luxury
Thinking of opening an account there - between them and Amazon a large portion of my wages disappears each month...
Tricky, needs a whole school commitment, books in classrooms, school library, links to local library https://t.co/7lnuxeB3Sz
Ooh, we’re already on Question 4:
How do you ensure that children have easy access to books, to encourage their reading pleasure?
...after all it's all about what the kids want to read, not what I want to read. Not sure they'd appreciate my books!
That shows and proves nothing How on earth does that encourage enjoyment? How? 😳
reading unlocks the whole curriculum
it was a good decision I have to say. It's very popular
How does that work? YOU WILL READ AND YOU WILL ENJOY IT! ENJOY IT! https://t.co/yTLG6l4OCd
so to get children to enjoy reading most people seem to make kids read.
I love to see a good library in schools.
it doesn't have to be books! Age appropriate poems, articles, blogs, anything! If it interests them, great!
Charity shops are a brilliant place to pick up books for class libraries
Completely. That’s what Q6 is all about 😃
I love a good poetry anthology - my last class used to pick a number at the end of the day
I ask kids to bring in any books they have finished and enjoyed - they go into the library and kids can claim them back later
- Question 5:
How can technological advancements be used to encourage reading for pleasure?
We are just introducing this too - share it forwards if you've enjoyed it.
Chn in my class ask if they can take their reading books out at playtime. Not a tricky ? YES
Precisely. We’re on the same level here. Students are never too old for that IMHO! Just to enjoy a story together
Agreed. https://t.co/KLEIQHDyCX
it doesn't have to be books! Age appropriate poems, articles, blogs, anything! If it interests them, great!
haha - totally agree, it doesn't - but to some a full jotter looks like they've been working hard!!
Looking for example images of 'meaningful feedback' / student response to marking / DIRT please :-)
Encourage tablet use as reading devices rather than just to get on the net. Embrace the tech available
love to see children fully engaged.
It has proven to be more accessible and popular with students who struggle to read.
Reading aloud is such an important way to hook them! Magic! https://t.co/VFzXBe03rc
exactly. Im not saying I have any better solutions but making kids read didn't lead to enjoyment. What about reading to them?
in fact I would argue that it does exactly the opposite of encouraging enjoyment and puts many off reading
Subscriptions to comics/journals etc all possible with a tablet device. Often reduced cost to school
It works really well - I got about 50 books for the class library at the start of this year
Exactly my point How can you enjoy reading when you know you have to do a boring task at the end?
A library can not be considered a luxury or something desirable. It is an essential - Only source of books for many chn.
But then you may need a librarian More cost? Or (here’s an idea) get the parents involved? Mums and dads!
looks wonderful. I saw your before pics. What a transformation. Well done.
Older chn as librarians - teach them to love and look after books.
huge + Ss will read more on a device, apps with games to test comprehension, set targets & incentives for Ss.
Let’s start a campaign here and now. Let’s stop asking pupils to write a book review when they’ve finished a book!
which means you can return books when you have a minute + take chn to the library over lunch time.
Is that really reading for pleasure though?
I take great pride in the content of my class library - even got my childhood set of Willard Price books in there!
The campaign is in full swing over on https://t.co/7sk9xxYJbV
let's allow them to change their book even if they haven't read it all!
Let’s mix the genres and devices that they can read on
https://t.co/FPCr0AVIYd
Louis Sachar, esp. Holes and There's a Boy in the Girls Bathroom. A truly amazing book which totally held by y5/6 spellbound.
I might print that out as a quote and stick it up above my class library!!
Pin it to HT's desks throughout the land!
agreed! They think it's a punishment! I just get them to give me a star rating and say who they think would enjoy it.
You must - and send us a picture 😀
Although I love technology this is one area where I would much rather c'ren were reading a real, paper book - so important!
Saw a great tweet earlier with emoji reviews. Quick, easy and informative.
we ran an "extreme reading" comp. Taking pictures of ourselves reading in strange locations! One was in the cockpit of a plane!
- Question 6:
Finally, genres. Which genres are effective at hooking children into reading?
Ooh, nearly time for the last question for this week…
My own kids did that in their school - loved it!
we did this on the last world book day.
We have kindles in school but if I'm honest I wouldn't use them - there's no magic or mystery in sliding to the next page
Q4 Bank of books in class, tutor room and library lessons fortnightly at KS3. Discussion of good reads & lend books
me too. We used to have it at school but then it stopped. Very topical
I will - I'll turn it into a poster and attribute it to you ;-) My kids will love it!
Q6 - Depends on S's. Always good to discuss what S's are interested in to recommend genre based books
I take your point,but for some it can be a saver, being able to change the text size. Look up words they don't understand
A6 Yes, thank you for this Q: it is (in my opinion) through poetry that Ls (even young age) can learn to like reading!
Anything! Had a group of kids that loved Guinness Book of Records. Horrible for them to lug around each day!
Indeed, so we need to expose them to a mix, to help them discover the magic
But if it engaged one child in reading for pleasure?
can be-depends on whether it's optional or enforced! Reading apps turn it into a game they choose to play.
Have you tried (supported) your local charity shop?
Interested in a mastery approach to primary maths?
DM us
We've got new books (Y1-6) we can discount (about 1/3 off)
I remember doing that a couple of years ago - it was brilliant. Kids reading everywhere
Completely and 100% agree
agree. Children do not get to the end of books so they do not need to review them.
Graphic novels are great and much under-rated!
Got any good examples please? Thanks in advance
Oh crumbs. I’m in trouble again 😜
Thanks for reminding me - I think we'll organise it again for this year
Oh what a lovely way to learn. https://t.co/9gsj8CUI7R
In days long ago when schools had money we used to give class £100 and go to bookshop & they bought books
https://t.co/9ZcN1K7AsS
my boys (all 21 of em) loved comics,they literally jumped for joy when I discreetly put a new batch in
Completely. Discussion of what we are reading and keeping up to date with Teen Fic V imp. Have read 3 Teen Fic this term
Then I suppose, grudgingly, I would offer it as a choice - not yet had anyone ask though ;-)
Oh, and what about adventure books (where the reader decides) such as Ian Livingstone’s book? I LOVED THEM
Always thriller/spooky/scary stories, but also biographies, graphic novels, song lyrics, funny stories/poems.
https://t.co/5kCYDxDthe
Dystopian genre is pretty popular right now. Also, humour is top on popularity list 4 KS3 in our school.
A6 Different genres hook different children. A recent poetry competition hooked many of the chn in my class!
Forgot about those! Esp the crazy ones which needed special dice to play/read them!
How can that fail to engage?
A6 any which they enjoy, engage them, their imaginations and their interests
Genre is very personal to each child - that's why choice and a good library are so important
That explains a lot 😜 But you’re right, you have to appeal to all tastes
