Forget the Bells and Whistles

Every now and again there is a glitch in the plans.  Technology may fail, you may be down half a class due to illness, or you may even lose your space for the day.   Time has taught me that these are not reasons to panic.  One of the best curriculum pieces for students can be delivered no matter where you are, and with very little equipment.

Independent reading.

Just this past week, a bout of allergies took out my voice.  Our technology lab was booked out, as were all of the laptops.  I sent a quick email to the incoming class teacher to ask him to send the students down with independent reading books.  The usual protocol of how to sit in the room was abandoned and students were able to lie down on the rug, sit at tables or on the risers.  Some decided to buddy up, while others found a quiet corner.  I joined them by sitting on the rug with my own book, which was a key part of the experience.

Sure children see adults reading much of the time, but what we are reading has been shifting.  They see parents read their smart phones, magazines and work related material.  They see teachers reading lesson plans, websites and the books that they are teaching.  I am a firm believer that our students need to see us reading for pleasure as well.  And believe me, there is no better place to do so than in a room full of students who are reading exactly what they want to!