For the Love of Reading

Wednesday 4th of May 2016 - Ko Te Raapa tenei ra wha o Haratua.

Dear Team12,

Wow I can't believe it's been 13 weeks since we started the 40 book challenge. It's time to reflect and think about our progress and the things we would keep doing, start doing and stop doing with the 40book challenge.

So far I have 27 books (but with the over 225pages that’s 42!!!)

I am pretty amazed - I knew I read a lot, but I didn't think I would have had time to read quite so much!

My favourites would have to be The One and Only Ivan, Loot, Freak the Mighty, Cinder and The Phantom of Terawhiti (you'll get to hear this one as it is part of the #NZReadAloud this term!) I think the reasons that I liked these books is because the characters were personable and the writing was descriptive - I could imagine myself in the setting of the novel.

My least favourite has been Lord of the Flies -which is a classic and I abandoned it was SO boring because I didn't click with the characters and the writing style was very dry. There wasn't much information for my imagination to grab hold of and create pictures.

So what would I keep doing?

I would keep reading each night in bed - its my relax time and I have had success with the number of books I have been reading.

What should I stop doing?

I think I want to change up the genres - they were really hard for me to achieve and I am a good reader. Grownup picturebooks - there are too many maybe we should include graphic novels in this genre. Also There are too many classics - and we didn't really understand what a classic is - so we need to set a time limit on the publishing. E.g if it was published before 1990? Or maybe 1985?

Maybe add a new genre?

What should I start doing?

I need to start talking about books more in class -I think ALL students should have to share a book at least once a term. Sell it to the class in an interesting way - be it a video or a quick chat.

I also want to start using Edmodo more for the 40book challenge - its an under utilised resourse.

I think I need to also start writing to the class regularly - so they can see me writing and how the writing processes works for someone else.

Thanks team for your efforts with the 40book challenge - I was surprised when I went to the town library in the holidays and the Librarian there told me that parents from BOHALLY had been in and talking about the challenge. Super stoked! It was a feel good moment for me!

Till next time,

Miss M