Post 3 "Book Bins"

I introduced our "Book Bins" in EEN English on Friday.  I had the students write a journal about reading such as what they liked about reading, disliked, books they like to read, etc.  The students in general expressed that they didn't like reading and therefore didn't read as they should.  I figured that this would be the case.  I have yet to meet a student in my program that likes to read.

To backtrack a little, I centered my room around reading this year.  I brought in a few recliners, lamps, plants, and created a reading corner.  The bulletin board above the chairs has posters about reading and a goal chart for us to work toward reading 100 books.  I haven't figured out what the prize will be but the class and I can decide that this week.

I had a bin on each of the student's desks with their name on it.  We had a discussion about reading and the various types of things we can and should read.  The students had far more ideas and knowledge of this then I had planned.  Our discussion went really well, several of the students were very excited to share thoughts and ideas about books and reading.  They had a job to put at least 3 books in their bins.  One that was challenging, one that was an easy read, and one that was interesting to read.  I then took them to the library where the librarian showed them around the library (again) and talked about several of the new books they may be interested in reading.  It was very exciting to see and hear the students come up to me and ask if the book they chose was appropriate for their bins.  They were like little kids in a candy store!  They found their books and we put them in our bins...yes I have one too.  I gave them the rest of the time to read one of their books.  I can't remember my class being so quiet and focused!  I really want to make reading as exciting as possible for them and try to keep their interest as long as I possibly can.