For the Love of Reading: Guide to K–8 Reading Promotions - Softcover

Baumann, Nancy L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 161069189X ISBN 13: 9781610691895

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2013

Synopsis

This insightful book reviews the current research on literacy programming, examines the latest standards for strengthening reading skills, and provides educators, families, and caregivers methods for building successful reading habits in and out of the classroom.

Research indicates that children need more than classroom instruction to become proficient readers. Unfortunately, few parents realize how simple, everyday practices can build a lifelong love of reading. Educators, diligent with employing mandatory literacy standards, may overlook families and support systems as tools for improving student performance. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the various methods of reading instruction, analyzing the pedagogy behind Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), the importance of reading aloud to children, and the necessity of working the home-school connection.

For the Love of Reading: Guide to K–8 Reading Promotions provides strategies and tips for setting up successful reading environments for children, including having a well-stocked library collection; engaging students through book clubs, reading lists, and prepared book talks; and involving student and adult volunteers. The author asserts that the entire school community―teachers, librarians, parents, caregivers, and administrators―must work together to promote literacy.

About this title

About the Author

Nancy L. Baumann, MLS, is instructor at the University of Missouri School of Information Science and Learning Technology, Columbia.

Reviews

In this era of increasing digital distractions, this timely and helpful how-to book provides a useful manual for starting promotional book programs at K-8 school libraries. Baumann, who teaches at the University of Missouri School of Information Science and Technology, provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for each promotional activity. The book is split up into categories broadly based on the target age demographic, such as the "Beary Special Readers Program" for young children and "Mock Newbery Club" or "Battle of the Books" for slightly older readers. Although specifically aimed towards school libraries, many of the options can be adapted easily for public libraries, such as the "Book Swap" or the "One Book One School Community Read." Each category provides a brief overview of the project's purpose and goals (helpful when seeking administrative approval or professional evaluation), a materials list, and, most importantly, step-by-step schedules and planning, including actual handouts and samples that can be copied and used. Even if some of the ideas aren't completely new, Baumann's presentation of specific lesson plans, fliers, and possible pitfalls is useful for the school librarian or public library practitioner. The only flaw is the lack of programs for the high school level. Although the title of this book indicates that it's aimed at those who work with elementary and middle schoolers, the book's introduction, which emphasizes the decrease in the number of teenagers reading for pleasure, suggests that the book might also address the needs of secondary school students. VERDICT This is an excellent resource for elementary and middle school librarians who want ideas for their day-to-day running of the library. —Evelyn Khoo Schwartz, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 161069189X
• ISBN 13: 9781610691895
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 182