Reading in the Classroom

When it comes to reading with your students, which do you prefer: the literature anthology that your district purchases or literature novels?

There’s nothing quite like delving into a fantastic novel with my students. There are so many activities to do. My students are always more engaged with a novel than with their reading book. There are some great stories from different genres in the reading books, but I feel like nothing beats investing a few weeks of class time on one story. Students really get to see character development, focus on multiply settings and their impact on the story, and closely examine the problem & solution.

I also love seeing their reactions to the story ending. When we read Charlotte’s Web, there are usually several tears shed throughout the room. In contrast, when we read Stuart Little my students usually flip to the next page, wanting to know more of Stuart’s journey — Will he find Margalo? Will he ever see his family again?

I’ve taught 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades, and each grade level has some fascinating books that are great to get your students engaged in reading. Books I’ve read with my students: Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, The BFG, Fever 1793, Where the Red Fern Grows, Bridge to Terabithia, The Egypt Game, Journey to Topaz, A Wrinkle in Time, The Summer of the Swans, The School Story, and my all time favorite Number the Stars. What are your favorites?