READING TIPS AND NOTES / INSIGHTS FROM THE CLASSROOM

Very few of my fifth-graders choose to read in their free time at home. Each school year my new students groan when I tell them to set a goal to read 200 pages in one month. They groan again when I tell them they can read anything they want except “Goosebumps.”

But by November they are setting their own goals of 400 to 500 pages per month. This spring, my class is averaging 1,000 pages a month. They have turned on to reading like no class before them.

How did it happen?

I use a combination of strategies.

* Combining monthly reading goals with nightly assigned reading. Nightly assigned reading is determined by pages, not minutes. Too many kids just stare at a book for 20 minutes worth of silent reading.

At the beginning of the year, I assign a measly five pages per night. The students learn that I keep track and that there is a consequence if they don’t do it. As the year progresses, the number of pages per night is increased, reaching 20 by January. Between closely monitored silent reading time and the assigned pages at home, most kids meet their goals and are eager to set slightly higher goals the next month.

* Student-selected reading material. My students fill out a survey the first day of school. One question asks them about their five favorite books ever. From their choices, I identify their favorite genres: mystery, adventure, fantasy, contemporary, history. Then I show them some good books in the genre they seem to like. Often, they don’t choose one I point out, but they choose something that interests them. As the year progresses, they tell each other about books they’ve read and enjoyed.

* Reading aloud. It takes a number of years for children’s reading vocabulary to catch up with their listening and speaking vocabulary. Children enjoy listening to books they understand but are not yet able to read. Unless children hear what treasures lie inside longer, more difficult books, they will not be motivated to pick them up. Students often choose to reread a book they have heard, even if it is challenging.

* Model the behavior of a reader. Silent reading is a tempting time for teachers to get some grading or other work done. But I read. My students see reading’s importance. I tell them about books I am reading. They know I read each night as well.

Test scores aside, my goal is to show my students the wonder that lies inside books. I want to build readers beyond 9.

There are a number of ways to find books your 9- to 12-year-old will enjoy. Children’s librarians can help or you can visit my classroom Web site recommending books and authors athttps://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/rradlauer.

BOOK EVENTS

* Wednesday in Hollywood: A story hour dedicated to healthful foods. Stories featuring fruits, vegetables and gardening. 4 p.m. at the Will and Ariel Durant Branch Library, 1403 N. Gardner St. For more information, call (323) 876-2741.

* Thursday in Cerritos: “First Book Story Time.” The featured book is “Pete’s a Pizza” by William Steig. Admission is free, and proceeds from any sales will help benefit a national organization that gives books to disadvantaged children. 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 12741 Towne Center Drive. For more information, call (562) 809-5767.

* Thursday in South-Central: “Stories in Celebration of Spring,” a family story time. 3 p.m. at the Exposition Park Branch Library, 3665 S. Vermont Ave. For more information, call (323) 732-0169.

* Saturday in Pasadena: “Spot Party.” Come meet Spot the dog (or maybe an impersonator), read some stories, take pictures and make crafts. 10 a.m. at Vroman’s bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd. For more information, call (800) 769-BOOK.