We brainstormed a list of potential book ideas - all titles that would appeal to a variety of readers. For the First Graders that list included anything in the Frog and Toad series, Mr. Putter and Tabby, and of course, the beloved Magic Treehouse series. Kindergartners are also participating - reading shorter books appropriate for their age and interests - Elephant and Piggy, as well as duplicates of classroom favorites.
Duplicates of favorite books |
Children have time to read during reading workshop time, and after completing a few chapters, we gather together for a discussion. Favorite parts, characters, plot, and storyline are all items for discussion. As I listened to two Kindergartners chat about a book they had just finished, I overheard, "Were there any tricky parts for you?" Then the friend answered, "Yes, I had a tough time with the word compost, but I sounded it out." Coming together for discussions like this is an invaluable experience - to share ideas, struggles, and opinions is something these children will need to do throughout their school career and their lives. To start this at such a young age is preparing them for the road ahead.
These book clubs are more than simply reading the book. They're about talking, thinking, and listening to a friend. The challenging part for many children is actually listening to one another. Reading comprehension is all about listening at length to another person's words and ideas and stories, even if this means holding back our own ideas and words for a time. Comprehension often involves having one's own mind changed because of what another person says. It's about coming to think differently because of what we've heard. Teaching comprehension has everything to do with teaching listening.