A Year for the Books: Routines and Mindsets for Creating Student-Centered Reading Communities is a must-have resource for educators that prioritizes student growth and fosters a deep love for reading. It offers practical strategies and ideas for launching and sustaining a vibrant reading culture, establishing reading routines, cultivating an inclusive reading community, and partnering with families and caregivers. The book also includes companion podcasts or PDCasts where the authors discuss authentic classroom dilemmas and share their decision-making process.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2024
Publisher: Stenhouse Publishers

A Year for the Books: Routines and Mindsets for Creating Student-Centered Reading Communities is a vital resource for educators ranging from kindergarten to middle school, with a strong emphasis on fostering a deep love for reading and prioritizing student growth. Authored by Katie Walther, an esteemed educator, and respected veteran teacher Maria Walther, this book offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the school year as they share practical strategies for designing learner-centered literacy experiences.

Beginning with the initial weeks of school, each chapter highlights numerous ways to integrate literacy experiences throughout the year, placing a strong emphasis on prioritizing learners and literacy. To assist educators in making informed decisions, the classroom-tested ideas in each chapter are organized around five fundamental principles:

Actionable strategies for launching and sustaining a vibrant reading culture: This includes practical tips for creating a reading-friendly environment, promoting a love for reading, and fostering a sense of community among students.
Clear processes to define and communicate community beliefs: This involves establishing clear expectations and values for reading and literacy within the classroom community, as well as communicating these beliefs to students, families, and caregivers.
Creative structures for establishing and maintaining reading routines: This encompasses innovative approaches to reading instruction, such as book clubs, literature circles, and guided reading sessions, that engage students and promote independent reading.
Innovative ideas for cultivating an inclusive reading community: This involves creating a safe and supportive space for all students to engage in reading, regardless of their prior knowledge or reading abilities.
Equitable techniques for partnering with families and caregivers: This involves building strong relationships with families and caregivers, sharing information about student progress, and engaging them in their child's reading journey.

In addition to the practical strategies, each chapter also includes nuggets of wisdom from the Walthers' collective years of teaching, practical ideas about keeping things simple, and several book suggestions. As an added bonus, this book features companion podcasts or PDCasts, where the authors delve into authentic classroom dilemmas and share their decision-making processes. Whether you are a novice or seasoned educator, A Year for the Books will be your trusted companion as you advocate for your student readers and promote independent reading in your classroom throughout the year.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 202 x 252 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625315670