Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
#professional
blurb
sammiegdeas
post image

Cart begins by asking the important question: Do YAs actually read? In an age of technology that consumes YA culture and forced reading, they have lost their spark for reading. Kittle's book talks are an ingenious way to reignite and fan the flames. As teachers, we can introduce the different modes of literature while being enthusiastic about different works. Reading looks different for each person; encourage it and watch it grow!

sammiegdeas *I realized I accidentally swapped our textbook readings from this week and last week, so this is a combo of the two and how I made connections! 1d
1 comment
blurb
Makaylaholton

I love how Kittle uses Book Talks not just to recommend books but also to create moments of genuine connection between readers and texts. It also makes me think beyond just sharing titles to using Book Talks as a way to invite students to explore why a book matters to them personally. Book Talks would be such a great space for students to express their thoughts, emotions, and questions about a book, and not just take note of a story for a class.

annagsears Makayla, I agree! The primary goal is to get kids excited about reading. I also appreciated how Kittle emphasizes that students can create their own book talks. If a student is passionate about a book, they will not only be more likely to engage in a related assignment more, but their passion may influence others to read the book as well. 4d
1 comment
blurb
Makaylaholton

Book talks are so simple yet powerful and effective in a classroom. It‘s not about assigning or analyzing, it‘s just about sharing excitement for a book and letting that energy catch on. An idea I‘d love to try from Kittle‘s strategies is building in a weekly reader spotlight where students eventually lead their own short Book Talks. I think that kind of autonomy could make reading feel more personal and build a stronger classroom community.

blurb
jkmac9717
post image

The focus Kittle places on keeping book talks REAL is very refreshing. They don't have to be COMPLETELY academic; they could just be a way for us to share fun YA reads with the class. However, there is still an academic GOAL behind our passion-fueled recommendations. We should advertise to our students to inspire them, but make things relatable and be honest if there are serious themes or if it's more advanced. This way, everything is authentic!

blurb
JoshuaKincaid

I liked what Kittle said about introducing students to book talks. You model what you want for them, and then you release responsibility to them to go and do their own book talk. I think pairing this with things like TikTok and Instagram could be super fun! There is literally a whole side of TikTok called “BookTok“ that is basically mini book talks. Having students interact with one another on there and post is a cool way to be relevant.

Makyah I agree! I love utilizing booktok for recs because there are such a wide range of creators recommending any and every genre you could possibly think no matter how niche your taste might be. 4d
1 comment
blurb
JoshuaKincaid

One part I liked that Kittle mentioned when discussing Book Talks was when she suggested reading a short passage. I think this is such an important thing to do for our students. Not only does this show students what the prose of the book is like, but it also allows us to teach them how to read. What I mean by that is they can hear us use different inflection and emphasis as we speak, and they can take that into their own reading experience.

blurb
jessicaking
post image

LOVE the idea of book conferencing, book talks, and daily reading/writing. Kittle provides some clarity here, sometimes introducing books via book talk that then become mentor texts/topics for writing. Other authors (thinking specifically of Ebarvia) mention free choice reading/writing that are incorporated in class time. I dream of having this option, but still I question how these daily practices can be implemented without eating needed time.

JoshuaKincaid I think that, with how easy book talks are, they are a great way to introduce things to become mentor texts! In another vein, book talks are also like book speed dates - the students get to hear about a book and choose whichever book they want. It also serves as a good introduction before reading a book. 6d
Makaylaholton I love the idea of book talks being similar to speed dating; I feel like that‘s such a fun way to frame it. I also agree that daily reading/writing practices sound ideal, and I think even small, consistent routines (like relatively quick book talks or 10 minute reading periods) can make a big difference without taking over the whole class period.
6d
jkmac9717 I have similar concerns about the practicality of independent reading/writing time in class given time constraints, even though it is something I think would be SO beneficial! Book talks WOULD be a great way to encourage independent reading and/or introduce a mentor text, especially if you use a passage in a book talk then an activity. I love how they‘re so versatile and can be used “just for fun” or as a part of a greater classroom structure. 2d
3 comments
quote
jessicaking

“Reading is oxygen for a student's future success. There is no giving up here. Every kid. Every year,“ (63).

I like Kittle's emphasis here (and throughout this chapter) on how we must reach every kid, not just those that are already proficient readers or that are willing to give reading a try. Reading comprehension and analysis are important for so many life skills, and we have the opportunity to teach that daily. Every kid. Every day.

JoshuaKincaid Agreed! Everyone needs oxygen - that means everyone. From the highest achieving kid to the lowest, reading needs to be emphasized and prioritized. One teacher said that students practice math in class - why do we feel as though students practicing reading is optional? Reading opens so many avenues for conversation and critical thinking along with being a window or mirror for students' lives. 6d
Makaylaholton This also made me think of that chapter that we read in Ebarvia where we talk about biases and how we, as teachers, should never assume every student knows as much as we do and has the same appreciation for literature as we do. We should implement this mindset into reading instruction by meeting students where they are, valuing their diverse experiences, and intentionally creating space for all students to engage with empowering and relevant texts 6d
2 comments