Reading Freedom

I often remind my students that their library time is some of the greatest freedom they have in school. They don't have to take a test (unless they want to try a Reading Counts test), they don't have to fill out a worksheet, and they don't have to listen to a lecture. They can choose what book they want to read, read that book, and enter characters, places, and situations that far outreach the classroom or the schoolyard. That is freedom.

On Thursday, the fourth graders arrived in the library ready for their freedom. I was proud of their choices to take full advantage of their 40 minutes to read. The silence of eyes moving across the page was only interrupted by pages turning and a few giggles here and there.

Last Days

Still reading,
Still creating,
Still dramatizing,

"Library" is so much more than. . . (fill in the blank)!

I took almost 600 photos this year of students and activities in the library. I hope you have been able to see that we have shared words, stories, strategies, poetry, and joy.

As a teacher, sharing the lifelong joy of learning is my mission. Reading is one avenue to joy, and I hope that the students who have come through my classes have experienced this.

Peace to all!

P.S. All library books are due this Thursday, May 14th!