ASCD Annual Content
Streaming Session
Recorded SessionI begin the session with a brief sharing about myself (professional aspects, interests) and how building reading culture and learning communities became the cornerstone of my work as a school leader in effort to connect with the audience. I show pictures as I speak. This takes 3-5 minutes.
Then, I introduce an invitation for participants to share what they are currently reading through a turn and talk with the person/people next to them. At this time, I introduce the first strategies for building reading culture, which is to have frequent and consistent conversations about reading and to invite adults and students to share about their reading through a Currently Reading… sign. The sign can be displayed in the hallways, classrooms, and all work spaces. I reassure participants that not everyone needs to be a lover of fiction novels; we discuss variety in reading lives and how it’s important to talk to students about how reading lives can differ from one another. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
Next, I share current research related to reading volume and achievement as well as future-ready skill development. I make connections between the session content and the research. I then discuss the importance of a clear vision for reading culture and how to work with a team to develop the values that will guide the work. I share examples of my team’s values about what is important: reading, engagement, joy, community, and everyone. I show pictures to illustrate real examples of how each value is evident in schools and classrooms at all levels (PreK, elementary, middle school, and high school). I invite participants to write quick jots to reflect on the values I share and what values would be important in their school communities. This takes about 10-12 minutes.
After the “set up” portions, I introduce five actionable steps educators can take to build reading culture: leverage a reading campaign, rally adults to explore their reading lives, make culture visible and participatory, engage students in building reading communities, and build a strong home and school partnership. I share related research for each actionable step along with examples of how to bring each step to life. Culture events like book swaps, book tastings, a celebratory reading month, caregiver learning academies, media campaigns, student-led book talks, book clubs, sustaining reading culture through other initiatives, and more are shown and discussed. I provide planning resources and discuss ways to ensure that all students and adults have access and are welcomed to participate. I ask for participant volunteers to help model some of the culture-building events I share so that the session is interactive. This takes 35-40 minutes.
I share book giveaways throughout the session. I use the Wheel of Names tool to randomize how the books are distributed. I ask participants to scan a QR code as they enter the session and input their names if they would like to win a free book. About every 10 minutes through the session, I spin the Wheel of Names and do a book giveaway. Types of books include picture books, middle-grade novels, YA books, nonfiction, educator resources, etc. Book giveaways keep the session interactive and fun!
I leave time at the end for questions and reflections. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
RESEARCHERS: Richard Allington, James Gee, John Hattie, Henry Jenkins, Brian Street
ARTICLES:
Reading Volume and Reading Achievement: A Review of Recent Research:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1720HyHJqgHnw_2IB-w6___tniW81hfXz/view?usp=sharing
Among Many U.S. Children, Reading for Fun Has Become Less Common, Federal Data Shows:
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/11/12/among-many-u-s-children-reading-for-fun-has-become-less-common-federal-data-shows/
Student Experiences: Reading for Fun
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/ltt/reading/student-experiences/?age=9
Spark A School Wide Culture Shift
https://www.forewordreviews.com/articles/article/spark-a-schoolwide-culture-shift/
Back
Trips and Tours