Standard 2

Literacy and Reading

Candidates promote reading for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment. Candidates are aware of major trends in children's and young adult literature and select reading materials in multiple formats to support reading for information, reading for pleasure, and reading for lifelong learning. Candidates use a variety of strategies to reinforce classroom reading instruction to address the diverse needs and interests of all readers.

Reflection:

I always say reading is FUNdamental and my students laugh at me and say, “Miss, you are so corny!” I truly feel that reading is fun and relaxing. I love reading and have so my entire life. When I was in middle school, I was appropriately given the nickname “Ms.Readabook” by my peers. Where many young adults may have been plagued by this nickname, I wore it as a proud badge of honor. I had the most points for Accelerated Reader in the entire school and I was proud of it! Thanks to an amazing librarian who promoted reading and my mother who also nurtured my love of reading, I have always been a voracious reader. So, that is why I want to make sure that all students understand the power of reading. I make sure they understand that required reading is great but reading is also relaxing and a free vacation.

This semester, I held a Book Speed Dating Day in the media center on Valentine’s Day. Students were able to come and spend time with each book for 3 minutes. They had to complete a Book Speed Dating Form and then take a picture in our Book Love photobooth with the book they had decided to take home. I decorated the media center tables with pink and red table cloths. I played romantic instrumental music and my Library Science students and I picked books that we felt would be appealing to the students. We invited classes and accepted walk-ins. It was an amazing event!

This year in the media center I have expanded the ebook collection and audiobook collection. When I started in the media center, we did not have any audiobooks, now we have 56 digital audiobooks that can be accessed from computers, tablets, or phones. We now have over 200 ebooks. During my media center orientation, I showed students how to access our ebooks and audiobooks. I chose the books by looking through school library journals. I also created a Google form for students to add books. Students could select books that were interesting to them. I also allowed teachers to request books. I noticed that many teachers did not have time to read print books but they like to listen to books so I geared my audiobooks toward them. I spent $9,862.00 on books this year. In addition, I noticed that my highest circulating area was the Graphic Novels so I spent $2,000.00 on Graphic Novels. The students were so happy. They could not wait to check out the books. I also hosted a Book to Movie Club every month. Students read a book and watched the movie. Then, we met to discuss the two. I served popcorn and bottled water.

Students are reading more and requesting books. They are taking an active role in their reading education. Circulation is up and visits have increased. I am excited about the possibilities and the future of our program and I hope to continue to promote literacy.