#HowILibrary

A freshman student came into the Library Media center with his class. At the end of the orientation, I informed the class that the maximum number of books for checkout was two. This young man begged, pleaded to check out all three. He said,. "I want a book I'm familiar with. a book that will challenge me and a book that is just for fun." Me and my emotional tail teared up. I had to turn away from the desk to get myself together. I wish my former principals could see the boys at Phillips now. They are reading and I'm not dragging them to the bookshelves.

‪#‎HowILibrary‬ 

- Books students read that they are familiar with

- Books students read that challenge them

- Books students read for pleasure

A professionally trained Library Media Specialist can provide Readers Advisory for struggling and emergent readers.  Fund Library positions and put these trained content specialist back in the Library where they belong.

"Reading is the gateway skill that makes ALL learning possible" 
                                     - Barack Obama - ALA Convention, 2005 (Chicago)

For Challenged Readers, Custom-Tailored Texts

Last month I was quoted in an Education Week article about struggling readers.  I discussed how I use genres that my students are interested in to spark an interest in reading.  I really embrace ALA's Freedom to Read Statement in my Library Media Center but it is so difficult implement.  With Common Core State Standards mandates just around the corner, I believe 'freedom of choice' will be challenged heavily.   The group of students I feel that will be most impacted are my struggling readers.  These students who I call, 'Re-Emergent Readers' are now embracing reading and enjoying it.  It looks like student learning will be interrupted for test preparation and assessment.....sigh.

Despite these obstacles, I'm still going to find a way to deliver books of interest to my students.  Enjoy the article.
For Challenged Readers, Custom-Tailored Texts
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/04/23/29books_ep.h33.html