I actually send home a new book each day M-Th and then on Friday the bags stay at school. My main reason for this is that I'm a little scared of the 2 days of the weekend and what may happen to those books and those bags, so we just go with weekdays in my room! I kinda can't believe it, but each week my little friends are actually a little sad when Friday rolls around because they don't get a new book to take home. They usually ask me, "wait, when is Monday again??" So, since that is the case, maybe eventually I'll feel comfortable enough with weekend book bags too. :)
The book bags include one new book each day that is at their independent reading level- we most likely have already read it at some point together in class. It is a great confidence builder knowing that they can read they the book all by themselves at home! I always tell my little friends that they shouldn't need any help reading the story, so they can read it by themselves, to their pet, to a family member, stuffed animal, etc. They sure love telling me the next day that they read it to their dog five times. Ha!
Each day when they return with the book, before giving my little friends their new story, I quickly ask just one simple comprehension question about the book to make sure they read it. They almost always read it, but thankfully are also very honest if they did not- but that really seems to happen rarely, which warms my reading heart!
Now, I know this can be tough to figure out, but if possible find some books that you don't mind sending home each day and just make sure that students know how very important those books are to you and that they MUST come back each day. I used to send paper books home that went along with our reading series that I just let them keep at home, but since these are actual books (even if they are the black and white version), my little friends know that the only way they can get a new book to read the next day is by bringing one back. Let me tell you- these little friends of mine are so very responsible with these book bags! I include just the little note below in the front of their book bag with their name on it and so far it has been working out well. You could also easily use gallon sized baggies as their book bags.
Thanks to Joanne from Head Over Heels for Teaching for her amazing weekly linky, Spark Student Motivation!
Have a great day!
Aylin
Your post is so motivational about getting your kids to take home books! I think you're as excited as they are! I bet they feel special or grown-up with those bags! So exciting that your students can't wait to bring their new set of books home! Thanks for sharing and linking up friends!
ReplyDeleteJoanne
Head Over Heels For Teaching
One of my goals for second semester is to begin a Take-Home book program! Thanks for sharing the way you organize and manage your system!
ReplyDeleteGratefully,
Jennifer
www.storiesandsongsinsecond.blogspot.com
It is so important for kids (and families!) to see these just right books! It builds so much confidence and pride in reading.
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
It is so great that you are building up excitement in reading by sending home books with the students. I think it is fine that you aren't sending them home on Fridays. It sounds like you are building up excitement by them not being sent home! Gives them something to look forward too.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy