Leveraging Literacy

 Brad Gustafson THE 6 LITERACY LEVERS Creating a Community of Readers

When I look back at the end of my career as an educator, I want to say I did all I could to ensure each child becomes a reader. Admittedly, tears come to my eyes as I write this, and my heart pounds. I believe reading is a civil right and the center of equity. But being a reader is only the first part. I fervently hope children discover the joy of reading as stories unfold, a book sparks curiosity, and they find connections to possibilities.

I envision more students carrying a book with them, more students sharing the story they are reading, and even more trips back and forth to their classroom and school libraries. Brad Gustafson’s book, The 6 Literacy Levers, Creating a Community of Readers “provides educators with the tools and culture-building strategies needed to help all students fall in love with reading. And it will help you co-create a community of readers that challenges and inspires” (bc). 

“There isn’t a single reader in your school who doesn’t deserve to be seen, supported, and included” (p. 8). Gustafson’s book will propel you forward as a leader who prioritizes creating a literacy culture in your school and classrooms. His featured stories guide the narrative, questions provide reflection, the common language keeps you focused, visuals organize your thinking, activities for immediate action are included, and ideas for online community connections are prominent features in The 6 Literacy Levers.

Gustafson shares, “The foundational work of literacy leadership starts with you” (p, 13). He advocates leaders to be role models of literacy and start reimagining. For example, what if the staff photo page in the school yearbook features teachers and staff holding up their current favorite book. Consider what strategic questions you are asking your readers to engage in to ensure authentic dialog? Are you moving away from the traditional book reports to something different? 

He gives a range of new projects for students to celebrate the books they have read, including having students create a graphic Bookflix, Bento-Boxes, or Reading Legacy Boards. Students generate ownership of their reading journey in creative and clever ways with the potential of piquing the curiosity of their peers to read the book too! What if a reader tucked a Perfect Read Award inside a book’s cover before returning it to the library. What a thrill that would be for the new reader to discover. 

As a literacy leader, remembering the key is connecting and building a community of readers who celebrate, encourage, and inspire each other to R E A D. “Connection is relationships. It is a community of readers. And it is the palpable energy we feel between the books, characters, genres, and people we love. Connection can be invisible or outwardly apparent, but it is always important” (p. 132). What is our literacy leadership posture? Are we detached or actively engaged? Are we delegating the work or doing the work? Questions for every leader who is on the relentless pursuit of championing literacy!