Reading Identities

At the start of the school year we always spend time thinking about ourselves as readers. I think this is powerful because it helps students reflect on where they’ve been as readers and gets them excited for the reading to be done this school year. One activity we do is called 100 Things About Me as a Reader. Students list off as many things as they can to describe themselves as readers. We then share out in different ways. Students can add to their lists while they hear ideas from others. This helps them get to know their classmates as readers and find out things they have in common. Students will continue adding to their lists as they grow as readers in 6th grade. Doing this gives me tons of valuable information about my students and it helps my students get to know me as a reader as well.

Students also used images to represent what reading means to them and why they believe it's important. Lastly, students spent time watching book trailers, and reading summaries and reviews in order to create a wish list of books they want to read this school year. It was great to hear the excitement about books buzzing around our room. I look forward to students continuing to find books they enjoy, having conversations about them, and growing their love for reading!