The new semester has started, and we’ve had quite a few classes stop down in the media center for reading books.
Each of North’s classes start with ten minutes of silent reading. This is an expectation across the building. This adds up to students are getting at least 40 minutes of reading during each school day.
Why is daily reading that important? There is a direct correlation between time spent reading and scores on standardized tests. Simply put, reading more makes you a stronger student.
Finding the right book for reluctant readers is essential. After watching a student find every way to avoid reading this week, I put a new book in front of him. Within minutes, he was both reading and smiling. This type of connection is one we need to foster and grow. North is lucky to have many, many educators that are passionate about getting the right book to all readers.
I love this visual that explains the power of 20 minutes of reading. Follow the link to check out this graphic from Stuff Students Say and Other Classroom Treasures: Why Read 20 Minutes? Pinterest-Inspired Visual!
The data for the visual come from here:
Nagy, W. E., R. C. Anderson, and P. A. Herman. 1987. Learning word meanings from context during normal reading. American Educational Research Journal 24: 237–70.
In what ways does your school promote the reading of novels students love!