Donalyn Miller with Susan Kelley READING IN THE WILD —The Book Whisperer’s Keys to
Cultivating Lifelong Reading Habits
Donalyn Miller’s first book The Book Whisper gives us insights to
get our students to simply love reading. Her second book Reading in the Wild describes the five characteristics of a “wild” or
avid reader. A wild reader dedicates time to read, selects their own reading
material, talks and writes about books, makes plans on what to read, and shows
preference for genres, authors and topics. Miller believes, “Instilling
lifelong reading habits in children should be our primary goal as reading
teachers.” Why? The research is clear. Those that read—succeed.
Miller’s book provides an overview
of the components of what a “wild” reader’s classroom should look, and more
importantly feel like. Haven’t you walked into a classroom where everyone is
just thoroughly engaged in reading? There is something magical about these
moments and you almost wished you hadn’t disturbed them. Although a true wild
reader wouldn’t notice you.
My take a ways from this book
are not necessary specific to the strategies, but more on what I can do as a building
administrator to support “wild” reading. I came away with ten, but after
reading this book I am sure you could come up with more for your own list.
Cultivating Lifelong Reading Habits: To Do List
1. Create
time in the building schedule where everyone just reads.
2. Launch
summer reading activities on our website before students leave for the summer.
3. Include
book recommendations on weekly morning announcements.
4. Create
a reading graffiti wall where students could “post” book recommendations for
peers.
5. Connect
with on-line like colleagues through:
a. Goodreads—what
are your friends and coworkers reading recommendations?
b. Facebook—Centurions
post book endorsements, opinions, and questions.
c. Twitter—a
wealth of knowledge I have yet to truly tap into.
d. TitleTalk—conversations
about how to best promote reading to our students.
6. Learn
more about Edmodo, where classes connect, collaborate and share on-line.
7. Subscribe
to Reading Teacher and share with teachers and instructional support staff.
8. Encourage
teachers to increase the type of genres in read-alouds.
9. Learn
more about the contents of a “Reading Notebook” versus a “Reading Log”.
10. Nurture
my inner “wild” reading and just read.
