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Top Ten Reasons it is Good if Your Teacher is a Reader by Katherine Sokolowski
The other day my students and I were talking about sixth grade. It’s that time of year, the days we have left together are so few, and many of them have already begun to worry about moving on. In my district transitioning from fifth to sixth requires a move of buildings and the start of middle school. Many students are apprehensive about the change. Often they are focused on one worry – how will they ever remember their locker combination? This year I heard another one, how will they be readers without me?
When we talked, I discovered the root of their concern. They weren’t sure who the next teacher would be and would that teacher also be a reader? I assured them that their teachers were, in fact, addicted to books just as I am. Our conversation then turned to the benefits of having a teacher who is a reader. After discussing this with all three of my fifth grade classes I asked them to write on an index card what were the benefits of having a teacher who reads. With that in mind, we present to you our top ten list:
Top Ten Reasons it is Good if Your Teacher is a Reader
10. Book Recommendations – a teacher who reads can recommend good books to her students. (This was listed as the number one reason on more than half of the students’ cards.)
She can recommend the perfect book for me.
She knows me and knows what book will work.
She can find the book that is supposed to be my next book.
9. Time to read – a teacher who reads knows the importance of time in class to read.
Because we have time to read in class, I end up reading more. I then read at home because I want to know what happens.
She knows that our independent reading time is important. We can’t skip it.
8. Connections – a teacher who reads understands her students.
I think teachers who read will know that sometimes you just have to read, even if they are trying to teach. You can’t help it.
Mrs. S knew why I was sad because she knew what happened in the book I was reading. She cried too.
You relate to us through books. You “get” us.
7. Conferences – a teacher who reads knows that readers need to talk about what they are reading with other students and their teachers.
I have become a better reader because Mrs. S conferences with me and helps me to understand my books. I like talking to her and my friends about them.
When you talk to me about what I read, I am more excited to read.
6. Knowledge – a teacher who reads what her students are reading knows the books that they are “addicted” to.
Since you read books for us, not for adults, you know the perfect books for our age level.
You know about books other than the ones you read as a kid – you know about all of the new books coming out.
You know what books kids our age like. You like the same stuff we do.
5. Environment – a teacher who reads creates an environment conducive to reading.
You’re surrounded by thousands of books in this reading room.
You cannot help but read in this class.
Being surrounded by books, in a room where everyone reads, makes you a better reader.
4. Access – a teacher who reads often purchases a great deal of books that the students can choose from.
Our room is full of books, all genres, different series. New books and old books.
You buy books on your phone when we need a book.
I can always come in here and get a book. I’m never stuck with something I don’t want to read.
3. Understanding – a teacher who reads knows the roadblocks you will hit while reading. They understand the struggle to get into a new book or genre. They get the heartache over finishing a series you don’t want to end.
I think teacher should read a lot of different books so they can answer questions the students might have about the books.
I think it helps to have a teacher who loves reading because then they understand your reasons to like or dislike a book.
2. Role model – a teacher who reads encourages you to become a reader. They lead by example.
I think it’s a good thing because, in my case, last year I like never read. But this year you have gotten me addicted to it. So my reason is that they help you like reading.
Mrs. S is a good role model. She always encourages me to read and become a reader.
I think you just expect us to become readers like you are, and that makes me want to be one.
1. Choice – a teacher who reads gets that we all don’t love the same books. That not every book will meet the needs of every student. These teachers often celebrate choice in reading class.
If she’s a reader, she buys more books – all different types. And then lets us choose what to read by what we’re interested in.
She doesn’t make me stop reading graphic novels.
Finally, two answers I couldn’t leave out:
Why is it important to have a teacher who reads?
Because they know about the books you are reading. And readers know more.
And
In this classroom, we are encouraged to read. And since you read what we read, you relate to us.
After listening to my students, I’m so glad I am a reader. Aren’t you?
Katherine Sokolowski has taught for fourteen years and currently teaches fifth grade in Monticello, Illinois. She is passionate about reading both in her classroom and also with her two sons. You can find her online at http://readwriteandreflect.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter as @katsok.
Katherine, this is a fabulous list. I love that you surveyed your students and included so many of their responses. So many smart observations make it clear that your student is right, “readers [do] know more!
Thanks! They had fun helping out. Can’t wait to share the post with them Monday.
Absolutely! Teachers who are readers bring so much more to their students–especially when they share their love of reading like you do. I love the observations from your students.
Agree 100%, thanks Kay!
This is a great list. Thanks for posting it. I also found that when I was teaching, keeping a list of books I could hand out helped. And each year I would ask the kids which they liked most so I could star it for the next years list. Of course, I always indicated the stars were from fellow students.
Very cool idea, thanks!
Amen Katherine! I only wish I had colleagues who shared this view instead of thinking I’m doing the wrong thing by spending my own money on books for the classroom and allowing time for “just reading.” I cannot tell all of you how thankful I am for the Nerdy Book Club, Twitter, and all of the online PD that keeps me inspired and invigorated. When I don’t have time to check in enough, my work life suffers and my students do too! I believe this community has saved me from burning out and has kept me focused and excited about my kids and our work together. I love books, kids and learning. I’m proud to be a Nerd!
Very cool, Kathleen! I agree, so glad for this Nerdy Community.
Wonderful. You say it all here. A great argument towards crushing the core.
Love that the NerdyBookClub invites so many perspectives and so much learning.
May I post this in my classroom and teacher’s lounge?
Absolutely – share away! And I completely agree – great to see so many perspectives.
Well said, and so right, Katherine. I know that you do so much for your students! Hurrah, hurrah!
Thanks, Linda! I know you agree with everything said here. 🙂
Thanks to you and your brilliant students for these pearls of wisdom. I especially like #3.
The difference between reading teachers and teacher readers is, to paraphrase Mark Twain, the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
Gary, that quote by Twain is brilliant here. Thanks for that. 🙂
I wish all teachers were teachers who read! I am so thankful to connect with teachers like you!
Thanks, I feel the same!
Katherine – thank you for sharing such passionate student voices and your gift to each of them – your own passion for books and the wonder of reading. This post made me that lovely smiley kind of happy. You have captured so much of what is important in helping students firmly plant their feet along the long road ahead full of learning, books and windows into other lives. Thank you for sharing!
I completely agree – getting them to that road and excited to journey on it is so important!
Will definitely be sharing this post with our staff…there’s only so much those handful of passionate readers at a campus can do, we need the rest to see the importance and join us to create a culture of readers!
Exactly. Imagine what you could do with an entire building full of passionate folks.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post! Thank you for writing it and living it!
Nancy J. Cavanaugh
Thank you, Nancy!
The best part of this post is the student comments, and it is very encouraging to see a LOVE of READING fostered in the young, I know it has been important for us in our home. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks! This group absolutely loves reading. It has been a pleasure to teach them.
I loved all these comments–especially knowing that they come from the students. I think love of reading can be universal if kids are exposed to it in the right way–this seems to prove that! Thanks so much for sharing.
I absolutely agree with that. Most kids can and will love reading – they just need the right environment and the right book to hook them.
“You buy books on your phone when we need a book.”
Well, that says it all doesn’t it? A teacher who does this shows her kids the value of their reading in such a powerful way. Bravo!!!
Ha! My husband is not thrilled about this little fact, but it happens pretty regularly. 🙂
My wife loves paying the Amazon bill each month and wants to know if it will ever have nothing on it. Answer = Never!
Love, love, love this!
Thanks, Holly!
Y’know, I’m not surprised that your students have such fabulous things to say about you and your class, but it’s awfully nice to see them all here! Thank you for this fabulous post!
Thanks, Tobey! I appreciate that comment. 😉 LOVE my kids.
What a great list! Kids are lucky to have teachers like you (and other Nerdy Book Club Members) for the reasons you listed here. 🙂
Thanks, Stacey. Such a great community we have here.
I’m looking forward to sharing this with my children’s lit students.
Thanks, Jamie! What a great class to teach!
Thank you for sharing this….it is so nice to see that there are other like-minded teachers out there, ones who allow time for “just reading”. I love this!
“Just reading” might be the key to many problems – give them the time, see how they grow. 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
So true! We set the example. It also helps to build relationships with the kids.
Laura, I couldn’t agree more. In my opinion, relationships are the key to all good teaching. Without strong relationships with my students, I wouldn’t accomplish as much as I do. Critical.
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