"Reading changes your life. Reading unlocks worlds unknown or forgotten, taking travelers around the world and through time." ~ Donalyn Miller, The Book Whisperer



Friday, March 19, 2010

The Book Whisperer

The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
Reveiwed by A.O.

About a year ago I read The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. This book simply validated my opinions about reading with children in a handy 200 page format. The Book Whisperer is loaded with ideas for in and out of the classroom. It had me running to the book store to purchase three more follow up books. And I can now be found at the local library every Saturday scouring the used book shelves for the best fifty cent bargains to add to my collection.


I was spied on many occasions this summer reading the very best in fourth grade chapter books, while my peers read on through another epic tale of vampires. But how could I put books in a “must read” bin if I’d never read them? How could I recommend a book to a child without having ever read it? How could I recommend a chapter book to a reluctant reader?

But the real question was: How could I empower all my students as readers?

To start with, I challenged my fourth graders to read 40 books this year. I’m sure you all heard the collective *groan* when I told them that in September.

But just last week one of my students told me that as soon as he finishes the book he is reading, he will have finished 40 books! And it’s only March!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an amazing accomplishment!

Now if only there was a way to share these amazing accomplishments with friends and family!

Welcome to The Forty Book Blog!

What’s on your bookshelf?

9 comments:

Nancy said...

fabulous idea and the blog looks great! i'm sure your students will enjoy this!

Donnalee said...

You forgot to mention how you recommended The Book Whisperer to all your friends! The blog looks great! You are an amazing teacher and friend.

Lee said...

Yeah 4th grade! Your love of READING really shows! Kids recommending books for other kids is a terrific idea! People all over the world will enjoy these book reviews! KEEP READING!

Your Reading Teacher
:)

Unknown said...

Great Job!! Your students will be able to reference this activity for a long time.... So technologically Savvy...
Technology Coordinator

Leslie said...

This website is amazing! I just finished reading 'The Book Whisperer' and I think that it is wonderful that you are challenging your students in the same way Donalyn Miller did...she would be proud! :) Keep Reading!

swalls said...

This is such a great thing you are doing for your students. The blog ia a great way for them to share what they have read with others. You are truly a teacher who dedicates herself to her students and does what is necessary to help them achieve their full potential. This I know first hand. Thank you for all you do and continue to do to encourage your students to do their best. And D.S. is so proud that his was the first review in the blog!

Pokemon Master said...

Mrs.O, I made my own blog and I would like you to look at it. The link is: www.PokemonTrainersSharings.blogspot.com

Oh, and by the way, how do you put those attachments on? Please leave how as a comment!

Singed,
D.S.

Anonymous said...

i miss you Mrs.Oates Last year was so fun and newcomb i pretty cool and im an ambassator at newcomb i see old class mates too like B.T. and A.R. Well bye have a nice new class


Sighed,
A.W. ;)

Anonymous said...

I miss you so much Mrs.Oates!
Newcomb is cool and fun yaaay!

signed
A.W.