Have you ever had a student who, for whatever reason, just didn't like to read? Perhaps you have one of those students in your class right now. You know, the one who during literacy just has to go to the bathroom, or shop for a new book, or sharpen a pencil. In other words, the Master of Reading Avoidance. As teachers, we spend an enormous amount of time thinking about these students, planning for their success, finding a menagerie of books we think might be 'the one' to get them hooked. I couldn't help but to think about all of the 'reluctant book lovers' in our classrooms when I heard a quote by Pam Allyn the other day, "You don't learn to do things well, you don't love to do."

Hearing Pam's quote reminded me of a conference where Regie Routman was speaking. Regie was emphatic when she spoke about students who don't like to read. She suggested we read aloud magnificent books to our class, model our own love for reading, and listen carefully to our children to find out their interests, passion or things that tickle their funny bone and find books that match those interests. However, she also mentioned an astonishing idea that has stuck with me. Regie said that along with the myriad of strategies we all use to engage our reluctant readers, it is also our job to convince them that reading is fun, each day telling them explicitly, how fun it is.

Daniel Pennac, author & educator wrote at the beginning of book Raising Bookworms by Emma Walton Hamilton, "A child has no great wish to perfect himself in the use of an instrument of torture, but make it a means to his pleasure, and soon you will not be able to keep him from it."

Perhaps this is the week we make reading a means of pleasure for our Masters of Reading Avoidance.

FAQ

Q: What materials might you use in Word Work that incorporate cursive writing?

A: If you are are looking for something that will work for cursive and word work practice, try using...

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/public/789.cfm

Multiple Modalities for Expanding Vocabulary (Website)

Are you or your students trying to expand your vocabulary? Do you have students that could benefit from seeing pictures and hearing the word in context? You will want to check out this website.

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/public/784.cfm

Registration Information for 2010 Workshops

Registrations for our 2010 workshops are filling fast, so we wanted to make sure you look at your calendars and see if we will be in a city close to you. We would love to spend the day with you.

http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/754.cfm

New This Week For Members

Interested in becoming a member of The Daily Cafe? Click here for more information.

Adding Writing to Daily 5 (Video)

Carlene Bickford is a wonderful primary teacher in Maine. She trained her students to be independent and build stamina during their writer's workshop time and just incorporated writing as a choice for them during Daily 5. Listen as she reflects on how it went.

http://www.thedailycafe.com/members/764.cfm

Wonderful Word Walls

One word wall just won't fit all students. Have you ever found that some children need to get up and walk around? They love to go and get the words they need to write in their journals. Other children want to "sit and get." See these two different walls...

http://www.thedailycafe.com/members/786.cfm

Short Legged Tables - A Perfect Fit

We love removing legs from tables. For example, look at the table in this picture. This kind of table is often found in schools. They have adjustable legs which, when unscrewed, come completely out, creating...

http://www.thedailycafe.com/members/788.cfm

Until next week,

Gail and Joan