Reading for Pleasure

I have learned a lot from fellow, more experienced, teachers and last week I saw something I knew I HAD to "steal" for my classroom. 

My mom came to visit me today from Ventura and we put together this Reading for Pleasure board in no time! The teacher I got this idea from had each of her student's names on each string. I attempted this, but realized I would need to buy four more bags of alphabet beads in order to have enough As, so I chose to put a colorful star on the end and labeled the strings with student numbers above each pushpin. 

Okay so here's how this works...

Every time a student chooses a new book to read, he or she fills out a "book card" (index card) with the following information:

• First and Last Name
• Title of Book
• Author of Book
• Number of Pages

The student gives this card to the teacher and begins reading. When they are finished, they take an Accelerated Reader (AR) quiz and get at least an 80% score. Students get either their parent or teacher's signature on their original Book Card they filled out, depending on if they read primarily at school or at home. Then they get to choose from a box of beads and add one bead to their string for every 100 pages they read. Example: If the book is 434 pages, the student would add four beads to their string. I purchased some sport beads (soccer balls and baseballs), animal beads, glow-in-the-dark beads, and some regular colorful beads from Michaels to have a nice variety. 

This system is going to replace my current Reading Log system where I stamp entries of reading at home each day. I have been noticing that students are fibbing about reading each night and there isn't a way I can really hold them accountable for reading outside of class. They will still be asked to read at least 30 minutes for homework each night, but they will be reading for pleasure and to add to their string. I am very hopeful for a positive change in attitudes toward reading in my class and will keep you updated! :-)

Freebie: Here are two resources to use in implementing this routine in your classroom!