2018 VATE Conference: We Are The Change

You've seen the research. You also have a gut-belief that the way to save reading in our culture is to incorporate more book choices into secondary school classrooms.  But the logistics of independent reading and lit circles can be so crazy! The answer?  More. Most research on inquiry-based or project-based learning emphasizes the importance of iteration, and choice-based reading is no exception. Set up your reading workshop to capture other students' enthusiasm (which is gold) and to pump that energy back into the classroom.  Use student book reviews to guide subsequent choices and create the momentum for the next round of lit circles or independent reading. This workshop shows you how to use analog methods and/or our digital resources. 

Rationale: Perhaps the most fundamental and natural form of personalized and inquiry-based learning is an independent reading program that emphasizes choice, quantity, reiteration, public writing, and peer to peer interaction. But we seldom incorporate such programs because they feel too crazy to most teachers. This presentation introduces a methodology to help organize and energize lit circles or other kinds of reading workshop. The presentation addresses these specific challenges associated with choice-based reading:
 
This workshop addresses these specific challenges associated with choice-based reading:
1. Finding appropriate books when you haven't read them all
2. Keeping track of who's read what
3. How can you recommend the right book for every kid?
4. Assessments that don't kill the teacher