Supporting Learners Through the Library: Cultivating Life-long Reading Habits (LC submission 4 - Module 3)



The Secondary School Reluctant Reader:
How to help build life long readers, one student at a time


Here is the scenario:

A grade 10 student comes into the library weary because he has to submit an intended reading list and goals for the year. The teacher is excited about his/her new syllabus and is making attempts to slowly integrate more choice in reading in combination with the required novels assigned.  The only novels he has ever finished, reluctantly, have been the ones that were required reading in class. He dislikes reading and the idea of finishing one novel let alone a list for the year is overwhelming. He is thinking of dropping the class.
What do you do/say? How do you help this student? Who do you involve? How do you turn this dilemma into an opportunity?


Number One:  

  • First of all, you should feel very pleased that you have a Library Learning Commons community where students feel safe to enter.  Take a moment to realize how important this is and it is no easy feat! 
  • Kudos to the teacher for creating a new syllabus and offering his/her students choices in their reading. 
  • There may or may not have been teacher/teacher librarian collaboration in this scenario, but it is a great opportunity for connection, collaboration and team teaching. 
  • Most importantly, high fives to this student for being proactive in this course and taking on the challenge rather than dropping.

  •  Consider the importance of reading by watching Stephen Krashen's lecture:

Krashen, S. (2012, April 5). The power of reading. The COE lecture series. University of Georgia from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSW7gmvDLag
  • Key points from Krahsen's lecture:
    • The more you read, the more proficient you become in the language. 
    • The most important aspect is reading, not exactly what is being read.
Number Two:
  • This student visiting the library is a wonderful first step. Take some time with the student to discuss the assignment with the student making any necessary clarifications and defining the expectations. This time connecting with the student will go a very long way in having the student return to the LLC and continue in the course.
    • is there a certain number of books required?
    • what sort of time lines are in place?
    • are there parameters around types of text?
    • what sort of feedback/response is required from the student?
    • is any recording of reading required?
  • If this is the first time you have seen or heard of the assignment? Make note of the need to connect with the teacher to offer support and team teaching/collaboration as need.
Number Three:

Of far greater importance to understanding the details of the assignment is getting to know the student.

  • A Google search of Learning Inventories will give countless forms that can be given to students or modified for best suitability. 

Simply taking the time to get to know this student and his or her interests will build the trust and connection that will cause the student to return to the library. However, care must be taken in this step so as not to turn off the student or scare him away. Too many questions may back fire - it is a fine balance (one I have not nearly perfected!!)
  • What does the student like?
  • What are his general interests? 
  • Has he done much reading for pleasure in the past?
  • What does he like to read?
It is during this conversation that you will need to listen carefully and read between the lines of the conversations to determine if there are any underlying causes for the reluctance toward reading. Some follow up with the classroom teacher, review of previous report cards, or discussion with former teachers may also be necessary.

Number Three:

The fun begins!!

Show this student the many forms of texts that his reading list may include. This could be the first time that this student has had such freedom and may not know where to turn. While not wanting to overwhelm, it is important to provide all the options and keep the doors open and provide

This list may include: (CHOICES!!!)
  • fiction - options are endless!!
  • non-fiction - try it just for enjoyment!!
  • graphic novels
  • multimodal media
    • blogs
    • newspapers
    • magazines
Encourage the student to explore other resources (in addition to the school's LLC):
  • public library
    • if he doesn't have a library card, have on hand applications for library cards and help him submit application
  • online resources
    • offer sites and resources that are available online for use for students in your district
  • community resources
    • are there any extensions to his interests that he may not know about within the community? 
    • This may be they type of connection that is needed in order to keep the student connected to you and the LLC.
Number Four:
Once all the options of texts have been presented, help this student determine some of his preferences. 
  • Has he established a theme for his reading?
  • Which type of book would he like to start with (fiction, non-fiction etc)?
  • Help him choose a couple of books to start his list and help him find these books.
    • Show him how to find the books through your school's library catalogue and introduce him to the public library system catalogue. 
  • Set a date for a return visit.
    • At this return visit, see how the compilation for this list is progressing and how reading of the first item on his list is going. 
Remember:

This is a terrific opportunity to help guide this student into being a life long reader. If he is able to realize the joy of reading and the freedom of choice, he can likely be turned onto reading.

However, students often need proof.

The following articles and videos are helpful to share with students:



Summary:


Sources:

Krashen, S. (2012, April 5). The power of reading. The COE lecture series. University of Georgia fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSW7gmvDLag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fRzO659bwM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrBFyUnJdcA

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/10-reasons-people-read-lot-likely-successful.html



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