Exposing Kids to Great Authors

Happy Tuesday blogging buddies, sorry it has been so long since my last post. I've been consumed with summer fun and I just didn't have anything great to write about...until this morning. Must be the cup of joe I actually got to drink in its entirety before one of my kiddos needed me.

I just finished chapter four of The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. This book was at the top of everyones summer reading lists this year so I'm probably way behind writing a post about ch. 4, but I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway. Hopefully you'll find it useful.

One statement that Donalyn Miller made in chapter 4 that really resonated with me is that one reason teachers should choose read alouds carefully is to expose young readers to great authors. I assumed she was talking directly to me, a third grade teacher as I go back and forth about which chapter books to read to my class every year. I have a few staples that I use because they lend themselves so well to reading strategies. For example, I always start the year off with How to Be Cool in the Third Grade by Betsy Duffy. Obviously all kids want to start the year off being super cool so this book always sparks personal connections for my kids...but is it a quality author that I would like to see my kids read more of independently.... Yes! This is the new question that I plan to ask myself before I really commit to sharing a chapter book read aloud with my class this year. I plan on getting my hands on some more books by Betsy Duffy so that I can guide students who enjoyed How to Be Cool in the Third Grade to more of her books with a familiar writing style. Hopefully this will increase their comfort level when starting to stray from their old favorites.

I've noticed the trend that third graders tend to feel comfortable reading the Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House series at the start of the year. It is not always easy to guide them to other incredible series and authors. Two authors that I am partial to are Avi and Kate DiCamillo. I always share Avi's Poppy in January. I think that his style of writing engages kids, especially this book. My class can't get enough, even going so far as to snag my bookmark while I am reading so I just have to continue reading. My class last year got together at recess and made up a chant so that the second I started to close the book, I would be forced to reopen it and read just one more chapter! Now that is what I call engagment! I share this book in January because my third graders are that much more mature and their reading comprehension skills are that much stronger. The Poppy series is a highly sought after series in my room after I share this adventurous story.

I also share the Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Most kids are slightly familiar with this story as it was a made into a movie a few years back but I am finding that less and less kids have seen it over the years. I love that it is written in such a way that makes you worry and care about the characters. Kate DiCamillo has a plethora of outstanding books that students can dive into after they are introduced to one of her stories.

I've started thinking about my chapter book read alouds as mini author studies where once we share the writers craft together, kids can determine if this is a genre or author they are interested in reading more of.

Those are my nuggets of wisdom this fine Tuesday morning. I would love to hear some of your favorite authors, intermediate or primary. Thanks for sharing!

Also, look at this adorable stick family sticker that my hubby and I ordered for my back windshield. We were able to personalize each family member right down to the color of their shoes. Notice me, I'm the teacher. I love it!