From toddlers to teens, all children will benefit from a bookshelf that offers an interesting variety of books. It is important to allow kids to choose their own books, and there are several ways we can guide and encourage them along the way.
1. Start With The Interests Of The Child
Allow students to make their own selections based on their individual interests, while providing different types of books on the same subjects.
- Children will read about topics that interests them- always encourage them to enjoy their ‘favorite’ books, even if they want to read them over and over.
- Try to find books written about the topic in other genres, for example: if a child enjoys reading about bats, provide informational texts with pictures and illustrations, a fictional story with a bat as the main character, a book of poems that includes poetry about bats, and a biography or informational text about people who study bats.
Draw on the child’s interest by suggesting books that are similar in topic such as: other unique mammals, animals that can fly, animals that live in caves, mammals that are nocturnal.
2. Set Up A Classroom or Home Library
Let children have a say in how books are arranged and what types of books are included.
- A library may be set up in numerous ways to suit the space within the room – it can be created using standard bookshelves, plastic bins, baskets, etc.
- Include read-along and audio books- technology provides us with tremendous opportunities to reach students who have differing learning styles, many students benefit from audio books and visual aids while reading.
- Ask students to discuss different ways to arrange the books and come up with a system that includes the students’ ideas.
- Keep a few books visible around the room for students to look through during silent reading time or free choice time.
- Allow students to discuss books they have read.
3. Let Kids Recommend Books To Each Other
Children have a lot to say about their favorite things, and their excitement about books is contagious.
- Everyone likes to know that their opinion is valued, let students give book talks to the class and share books they have read (see Children Love to Share Their Favorite Books for ideas about running a student-led book share).
- Provide a ‘Recommended Reads’ list next to the classroom library so students can record favorite books as they finish reading them.
- Allow students to work together on book-based projects and book reports- this will introduce students to new subjects.
4. Set Clear Goals For the Readers
Let the children know what the expectations are for successful reading.
- Set reasonable goals with the child, explain what the child needs to be successful
- Give positive feedback throughout the reading process
- Let the child know they are capable of achieving their goals and encourage them to try their best
- Allow the child to keep track of his/her own improvement, as well as new challenges that may need support
Don’t forget to provide books with a variety reading levels, as well. Encourage students to take on more challenging texts, but make sure there are plenty of choices that are a comfortable fit for the reader. Giving children choices is the key to empowering the reader. When students know they are trusted to make their own choices, they take responsibility for their reading experience, and take greater care when choosing. Talk about what kids are reading; ask questions and show interest in their reading choices.
For some great ideas and additions to any home or classroom library, check out our huge digital library of ebooks- including audio ebooks, by clicking on this link: http://www.biguniverse.com/readkidsbooks