Wednesday, August 14

The Book Whisperer

What a fantastic week! I had the opportunity to attend two workshops given by the wonderful and hilarious Donalyn Miller!! The workshops were so wonderful. We talked about books, research, books, and ways to instill a love of reading into our students' lives.

There were many things Mrs. Miller discussed that made sense and made me think about what I have been doing in my class. She helped me really look at the readers in my life and how to look at my students as readers. Here are just a few thoughts:

  • I haven't let my kids take books home because I am worried about them walking away. She said that the reason we have the books in our rooms in the first place is so kids will read them! She even said exactly what I was thinking... I bought the books and I don't want them to get lost! I know this might sound silly, that it took a workshop for me to think of it differently, but sometimes we aren't ready to hear things. 
  • Let the students choose their own books. I already do this so I was happy to get some reassurance.
  • Book Choice Frenzy - I haven't been able to find a great time to let my students choose their books. I've tried the first day, second, fourth... nothing seems right. Then, as I read Mrs. Miller's book, she did it the way I have been dreading to do it for years... let the kids have at it!! How fantastic!! I think I am going to try it this year.

Have you had any experience with Mrs. Miller, The Book Whisperer, a book frenzy or any wonderful PD?