Back to School- The Book Challenge!
…UM, WHAT?
Every year in the classroom I challenged each of my students to read 10 books by the end of the school year! For more avid readers, the challenge was for them to read more than they’ve ever read before!
To be very clear—this not a contest or a competition among classmates. It is literally an individual challenge to encourage students to develop a healthy/healthier relationship with reading and with books.
…BUT WHY?
I taught middle school (6-8), so I always made the WHY centered around their next steps:
to prepare for high school
to prepare for college and/or life after high school
so that no one is denied opportunities
MORE importantly … students are reading to:
Think critically
Understand systems of power
Question things they do not agree with and/or understand
Work toward social transformation
OK, HOW?!
HYPE IT UP!
No seriously…. The Book Challenge has to be a year long effort/commitment. One that is introduced at the beginning of the school year and is embedded into every week, month, quarter and semester. It can be tough sometimes to make a commitment of this sort, but I am telling you— it is totally worth it.
Classroom Library Books:
There’s nothing worse than a dry classroom library. So, it’s essential your library in your actual classroom is on POINT. Are the books on your shelves relevant? If not, ask students what they want to see on the shelves, take inventory of what you have, what you need, and what should actually be dismissed. I did a donors choose to revamp my classroom library with titles of books that students picked!
The Public Library is the homie:
Do ALL kids have access to public library cards? If not, building a good working relationship with neighborhood librarian is a start! We were able to schedule bi-weekly walking trips to the public library in our school’s neighborhood. This was a GAME CHANGER. We were refreshing, returning and renewing our reads while also getting out to enjoy some fresh air. It made The Book Challenge that much sweeter. With public library cards, not only do students check out physical books— they all have access to e-books and audiobooks through Libby!
Other ways to keep The Book Challenge alive:
Bookmark Contest inviting students to create bookmarks
Classroom incentives and/monthly drawings that involve reading and books
I also created a resource for The Book Challenge Resource
The resource includes:
The Book Challenge launch slides with FAQs about the challenge
Blank template slides (if you want to add more to your launch presentation with your students)
Reading Log Tracker
Digital “bookshelves”
Reflection Log
Sketch notes template
The Book Challenge Project is a great way to encourage students to read independently ALL YEAR LONG!
#THEBOOKCHALLENGE #WEREADTOO #BELONGING
