Fostering a Reading Culture at School

 #1 Participate in book clubs such as MYRCA (Manitoba Young Readers Choice Awards). 

This is a great book club that promotes Canadian literature and is heavily encouraged by school and city libraries. Students in grades 4-8 read from a list chosen by a committee. In years past, students would meet a couple of times a week in the library for reading time, discussion or activities. At the end of the year, the students vote for their favorite book. I’ve usually done an Oscar-themed party, red carpet and all, where the academy (the MYRCA book club students), chooses the school award winner. Each student is assigned to be a book’s representative and writes an acceptance speech from the book’s perspective. The winner accepts the award and makes his or her speech. Occasionally, tears are shed, and snacks always follow.  

Image from The Community Library: Red Carpet Reads 

This year will be a bit different. We aren’t allowed to mix cohorts in the library and so I’ve created an Edsby MYRCA group. Edsby is the platform that students in my division are using for remote learning. I plan on posting videos, discussion questions, polls, etc. to encourage students to participate. MYRCA Oscar party to take place if COVID restrictions allow. Any suggestions would be welcome! 

MYRCA

#2 Increase access to books during COVID restrictions 

Schools have had to flexible when thinking about space. Normally the library is bustling with a mix of staff and students. Due to COVID restrictions, staff and students may only use the library when it is their scheduled time. I know that it helps to keep everyone healthy, but it just bugs me that you can’t go to the library and check out a book when you feel like it.  

I decided to teach the students how to use Destiny Follett. Maybe this is what all the libraries across Canada use? I’m still learning about how other libraries work nationally.  This is what we use in our division and city libraries.  

 

Look, I’m not patting myself on the back, but I taught all 370 students and staff to be able to reserve their own books, create a favorite list and build a collection during September. Alright, I am patting myself on the back but for good reason! It has changed how students can access the books in the library without being limited to one period per school cycle. They can do this at school, at home or any device connected to wifi. I’ve included a picture of a few collections that we’ve started.  

 

Destiny Follett

There are a couple of online library sites that I also recommend for teachers and students. You may already be familiar, but these are two of my favorites.  

Epic! Teachers can create accounts for their students, and it is free to use during school hours. The selection is great, and teachers can “assign” books and assignments to students.  

 

https://www.getepic.com/ 

Teen Book Cloud is another online library that I have used this year. Epic is great but can be limiting for students grade 6 and up (depending on their reading level and interests). Our school division purchased a subscription for all schools.  

 

Teen Book Cloud

#3 Plan and encourage school-wide reading activities

Here are two that we will be doing this year: 

Drop Everything and Read Challenge (Laisse tout tomber et plonge toi dans un livre)  

             

Manitoba School Libraries

I haven’t exactly decided how we will be celebrating but I’m sure that goofy costumes and corny book jokes may be involved. 

I love to Read Month (February) 

Last year we did a space themed I Love to Read Month. I incorporated many Art and STEM activities in my lessons with links to Space. In years past, we’ve also entered competitions to have a couple of Winnipeg Jets players come to the school and read to students during the month.  

      

I Love to Read Month

I believe that you need to do 3 things in order to foster a reading culture in your school, participate in books clubs where students are stakeholders in its result, increase access to books so that there are no physical barriers to reading, and finally, plan and encourage school wide reading events where there are no marks involved.