Start a Library
I was teaching at a high school in Detroit, and in order to increase student reading, I stocked my own library in the classroom with books that were on the banned book lists.
When students found out that the books had been banned, they were excited about reading them. And some of the books were banned for things that seem so innocent now, that the students had very intelligent conversations about how the banning of the particular book was uncalled for.
I added books that students requested (after reading them myself), and I made sure to balance the books between fiction and nonfiction.
It worked!! And they learned!! And people who did not normally read picked books up and took them home. I even had a few books stolen because the students wanted to keep them...I'll take that from time to time if it means that my students are learning to love to read!!
That's fantastic. I've often brought in a list of the most commonly banned and/or challenged books, but I haven't brought in the books themselves. What a great strategy for increasing their interest, though.
What I have done is bring in books when teaching students MLA and reference requirements, and I've seen how they become interested in the books themselves.
Great job Robin!
You taught to the needs of the class - what a wonderful class that must have been! It sounds like they appreciated you going that extra mile. You took the time to evaluate the need and decided how you could provide a positive learning experience. BRAVO!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
