Repetition? Yes, but picture books for your middle schoolers, too

There's so much that's new swirling around them at the beginning of the year that students don't always remember what you've told them.  That's why repetition is so important!  So use that time to share your values with them in small doses.  

Picture books are a great way to do that.

There are many ways to reinforce messages you want students to learn, and picture books are one of my favorite ways.  Students learn a lot about you by the books you choose to read to them.  And because the books are shorter, they stay engaged.  You can have deep discussions with middle schoolers around good picture books.

What do I want for my students?

I want my students to know that readers come in all shapes and sizes; everyone is unique and no comparisons need to be made.  There's room for everyone and every interest.

I want them to know that books take you to places they may never get to their lifetime.

I want them to know that books teach important lessons.  Lessons that they'll carry throughout their lives.

And I want them to know the daily reading habits that make good readers.

This is one of my favorite books and one of the few where I can't decide whether I like the video or the book better.  Both are so magical!  You can watch the video here.  Students often pick up on connections with The Wizard of Oz, which leads to great discussions.

What's important for them to know?

This is a fun one and a quick read.  

Students must understand that while we talk a lot about books together, the one thing we DON'T do is give away the endings.  We discuss the variety of ways we'll talk about books, independently, in small groups, or as a read-aloud.  We can talk about books all we want, but out of respect for our fellow readers, we never give away the ending. EVER.

A summarizing freebie

I teach my students how to summarize books for times when they'll present a book to the class.  We use the Somebody Wanted But So Then format.  For book commercials, they write out the entire summary (for my eyes only) but when they present to the class, they stop at the "But."  

That takes kids close to, but not to, the climax of the story.  Students who want to find out what happens need to read the book!  

Click here if you'd like a free graphic organizer for "Somebody Wanted But So Then"  with an accompanying video that helps explain it.

What kind of books will they find in my library?

Finally, I like to read Each Kindness.

 

I have two purposes with this book.  I want students to think about how we treat each other, especially during those times when it's easy to be short-tempered with one another.  I also want to introduce them to protagonists who are people of color.

With these books, I want my students to know what I value as a reader and I hope they learn a little about themselves in the process, too.

• Don't forget to get the summarizing freebie if you can use it in your classroom!