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As a natural lover of reading, one thing I had to rewire my brain about when I started working with kiddos is how some of them do not enjoy reading. They would rather stare at a wall than read for 20 minutes. When this topic is brought to me by teachers it is often connected with boys. Yes, there are many boys who enjoy reading, but historically teachers and parents have a more difficult time getting their boys excited about reading. I am a firm believer that there is a book out there for everyone and if you find the perfect fit for your students (boy or girl), it can be a game changer. Keep reading for tips and strategies to encourage boys to read more. And. . . these tips work for girls too. Throughout the years, I have definitely discovered how reading isn’t every boy’s favorite pastime.
My favorite memories from when I was a student include when my teachers would have read-aloud time. When the lights dimmed and my teacher perched on her stool, I knew an adventure would begin! I loved being able to fall into a story with the help of my teacher’s ability to change voices and bring the story to life with her animation. Now, you and I are the champions of literacy for our kiddos. We hold the key to unlocking the magical world of read-alouds for them. A well-crafted read-aloud session can spark curiosity, nurture imagination, and foster a lifelong love for books. I have gathered some incredible tips to make your read-alouds unforgettable! 1. Collect Captivating Read-Alouds As book lovers, we understand how mind-blowing a good story can be! So when choosing books for read-alouds, pick ones that click with your students. Consider what they’re into, what fits
Do you know what the coolest thing about graphic novels is? They weave captivating tales with eye-catching illustrations, ensuring that your readers will be hooked! These books are more than just stories – they’re a gateway to far-off lands and new dimensions. I have something special lined up just for you. I’ve gathered the most popular graphic novels, both fiction and nonfiction, that are absolutely perfect for your 3rd – 5th graders. They have everything from epic quests that’ll keep everyone on the edge of their seats to heartwarming stories. These graphic novel recommendations will take your young learners on incredible adventures they’ll cherish forever. Why Should I Include Graphic Novels in My Collection? Graphic novels are the ultimate blend of storytelling and illustrations. They’re a magical mashup of words and art that creates an exciting reading experience like no other! It’s like reading a comic book but with
Growing up, it seemed like the only reading materials that had pictures with captions were superhero comics. My brother loved reading them, so as the younger sister, I despised them. Sibling love, right? As I grew older and began helping other kiddos find their love of reading, I stumbled upon something in children’s literature: graphic novels! But here’s the deal my friend, not all graphic novels are created equal, especially for our younger readers. After combing through lots and lots of graphic novels I have some definite favorites! These are my “picture perfect picks” of graphic novels for elementary students. When choosing graphic novels for our libraries we want to make sure we’re picking the ones that entertain, educate, and inspire little minds. Look for graphic novels that introduce young readers to diverse characters, ignite their imagination, and spark a real love for reading while also supporting new readers!
Why do you read? The other day in a conversation I was asked why I read so much. I personally read because I can travel the world and meet impactful people (real and make-believe). Bonus: being able to do this from the comfort of my home and all for a fraction of the cost! The story jumps off the pages turning into a movie. One of my goals is to help my readers experience the same joys of reading. One way I do this is by introducing them to graphic novels. Graphic novels aren’t just a visual form of storytelling; they also come with many benefits for reading. These books combine eye-catching artwork and entrancing narratives to create an unforgettable reading experience. From enhancing literacy skills to fostering a love for reading, graphic novels have something to offer all readers. Let’s explore the benefits of the colorful and captivating
As much as I wish my students were all obsessed with reading, I recognize that many of them come with fears or walls built up. I owe thanks to many of my classroom teachers and school librarians for helping me become the bookworm I am today. It was their unique and engaging reading games that helped me form a positive friendship with reading. I hope, like we all do, that we can play a part in igniting a love of reading in our students! One way to help develop a positive foundation between your students and reading is through presenting reading lessons in a fun, game-like manner! I incorporate reading games as much as possible to create a relaxed learning environment for my kids. Whether you are a classroom teacher or a school librarian, I hope you find a new reading game, or two, that will help you to

Staying Cool in the Library is my blog, where I share my passion for fostering a love of reading with children. As a librarian, I believe reading should be fun and accessible to all students. That’s why I share engaging and interactive lesson plans, creative ways to build exciting library collections, and resources to inspire even the most reluctant readers in any classroom or library. Check out my blog posts and products in my store, and join my email list below.

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