FAQ - When and how do students change books? (DOWNLOAD)
Given what the research and leaders in our field are saying, we teach children to choose books that are a "Good Fit" for them, books they enjoy and that, Routman states, seem "custom-made for the child. These are books students can confidently read, understand and find interesting, with minimal assistance. These are books that make students stretch -- but just a little bit -- so that they have the opportunity to apply the strategies we've been demonstrating and they've been learning as well as become familiar with new vocabulary, genres and writing styles," (Reading Essentials, page 93). The real challenge is teaching children a simple method of choosing Good Fit books, giving them a tool that they take with them each time they go to the library, book store or classroom book area. This simple, yet complex tool empowers child and their family to assist with that difficult statement…I don't know what book to read. Once we teach students how to choose books, they need time to browse. Thinking about our own patterns of book shopping, it usually isn't a short stop. We use 5 different methods, when the time is appropriate, for students to spend time looking, thinking and reflecting on how to choose books and then what books they are interested in. You may want to click on the link below for a download of the 5 Methods.
5 Methods Students use to Browse for Books
- Daily 5™ rotation: Once a week students browse for books during one rotation
- Small Group Work: Once a week the small group browses and chooses
- Before School Starts in the morning if the school has an open campus students report to the classroom and browse for book
- The First 5-10 MinutesEach day all students have the opportunity to brows for books and greet their classmates
- Split the Class into two groups. Half of the class goes to the library with the librarian to support browsing, the other half stays in class and chooses from the class books
Click below for a download of these methods. Five Methods to Browse for Books
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