Let’s get right into this week’s “Sunday Seven.”
1. “Snow” week reflections
What happens when Nashville schools are closed all week due to three inches of snow? Caring, committed educators take time to connect and collaborate online and in person.
On Wednesday, we organized a special edition of our #ProjectLITchat on Twitter, and dozens of teachers and education leaders, including Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education, Dr. Candice McQueen, spent an hour sharing book recommendations and literacy strategies. On Friday, a group of Nashville educators met a local coffee shop to do more of the same, discussing ways we can work together to promote a love of reading.
When we talk about what it’s going to take to improve education, particularly literacy outcomes, I firmly believe that it’s little moments like these – educators working together to improve their practice – that matter most. Doing a little bit each day to improve one’s self and others. Sitting down at a table (or logging onto a Twitter chat) and engaging with other folks who are doing the work. Learning and growing together, borrowing/stealing best practices, and inspiring one another.
I recommend that other education leaders/policymakers follow Dr. McQueen’s example and join educators in these authentic conversations, and develop more ways to build community and promote collaboration at the school and district level.
2. Research supporting independent reading
Question for readers: What is the best research out there to support independent reading? I know that all students deserve daily time to read in school (and I’m sure you know that, too), but many teachers are forced to defend this practice. I’m planning to organize a list of articles/studies that support independent reading in the classroom, but I have a feeling it already exists…Any links would be greatly appreciated!
In the meantime, here are the results from my students’ end-of-year reading survey. Feel free to use any or all of the questions with your own readers!
3. Book club tips
A few tips for those looking to start a classroom, school or community-wide book club:
- Start small – whether it’s one class, a few students, or a group of teachers. It will grow naturally over time.
- Determine your purpose & audience – Why are you doing it? What do you hope to accomplish? Who do you want to engage?
- Work together to select the book(s) – be sure the readers are excited about the book(s) you’re reading, even if it’s throwing out three options and letting students pick their favorite.
- Work together to secure enough copies – empower students to develop a fundraising campaign. Students can work together to create social media graphics and short video clips, apply for local grants, and write persuasive letters to community members.
- Don’t be afraid to promote – it’s okay to remind folks of upcoming events and share ways they can support you and your students, whether that’s through Facebook & Twitter or email updates.
- And finally, just do it! It doesn’t have to be fancy. Even if it’s just a few students discussing Dear Martin over donuts or a class enjoying pizza together as they discuss Long Way Down, it’s absolutely worth it.
4. What if…
What if we ensured that all students could see themselves on the shelves in all of our classroom libraries?
What if we guaranteed that every child, every day, in every school had the chance to read for at least 20 minutes in a quiet, comfortable environment?
5. Our students are reading role models
In our #ProjectLITchat this week, I loved hearing educators discuss successful “reading buddies” programs at their schools.
We’ve got to make it easier for our high school students to read to/mentor local middle and elementary school students…the value for both groups (the older and younger students) is tremendous!
6. Book of the Week
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. Beautiful, breathtaking novel full of sprawling sentences that I wanted to read over and over again. Shout out to Barack Obama for the recommendation!
7. Announcements
Join us tonight (1/21) for our next #ProjectLITchat!
Nashville readers, here’s how you can discuss Dear Martin over the next few weeks. We’re organizing community discussions on 1/27 and 2/10 (10 AM at Frothy Monkey in the Nations).
We’re also hosting our student-run Project LIT Book Club, featuring best-selling author Nic Stone, on February 2 in the Maplewood HS library.
Have a wonderful week, and thanks so much for reading! If there’s anything you’d like me to address in a future blog post, don’t hesitate to reach out via Twitter, email (jarred.amato@gmail.com), or in the comments below.
DR. JARRED AMATO 