What is a School Reading Community?
A school reading community is created when students, teachers, staff and families are all invested in the reading experience. It is a community in which books are celebrated and enjoyed by all! Here are some ideas for creating a school reading community!
1. Free Book Table
This is a similar concept to Little Free Libraries that have become increasingly popular. In a prominent place in your school building, set up a table. This should be an area that teachers, students, and even parents frequent often.
On the table, teachers can place gently used books that they no longer use in their classroom. As they walk by, students can browse the table and choose a book that they might want to read.
You could even involve families in the book table! Invite them to drop off books that their own children have outgrown. Families can also pick up a book
2. Book Buddies
Create a book buddy system within your school. When I taught second grade, I joined forces with the preschool class at our school. We partnered one or two second graders with a preschool student.
Then, at the end of the day on Friday, the preschool teacher walked her students down to our classroom. The kids sat with their buddy and read books together.
My students loved this! Even my reluctant and struggling readers felt proud of themselves after sharing a book with a younger student. We often practiced ahead of time so that they would feel truly confident when they read their book.
3. What I’m Reading Door Displays
Show your students that teachers (and staff) are readers too! On your classroom door, place an interactive poster that displays what you are currently reading.
By placing the poster on your classroom door, you are ensuring that it is the first thing that your students see every day. It also allows students who are walking by, to see what you are reading too!
Encourage all teachers and staff to create their own poster. When students see these book titles all over the school, they will be excited to share what they are reading as well!
Involve your students too! Create a poster for each one of your students. Encourage them to write down the book they are reading on their poster. You could display these in the hallway or simply inside the classroom.
Want a copy of these posters? Just enter your info below!
4. Carry a Book
This one is super easy! Simply grab a book that you’ve read on your way out the door. As you walk your students to the gym or stand outside at recess or wait in the parent pick-up lane, your students will be intrigued by the book in your hands. This instantly opens the door for you to talk about a book with them.
5. A Teacher Library
Teachers are readers too! Create a space in your staff room where adults can share their thoughts on reading. Some ideas for you:
- bookshelf where teachers can leave a book or take a book
- bulletin board with recommendations
- a wall of book quotes
- a lending library of professional development books
Looking for more ways to engage your students in books? Check out these 10 ways to get students excited about reading!
