I've said it before, but I'll continue to sing their praises. I very much appreciate how creative and open minded my staff show for building-wide projects. These character pumpkins are out of this world! Great job, everyone!
Before taking on the role of elementary principal about a year and a half ago, I was a classroom teacher for 18 years. I've been around long enough to see the reading initiative pendulum swing from one side to the other and well, back again. As both a former teacher and current elementary principal, I see the need for kids to read for joy and for teachable moments. I believe students should be exposed to both "need to read" and "choice" books. Need to read books at my school might be found in carefully selected guided reading books from our Scholastic Book Room, Accelerated Reading books, Reading A to Z books, Scholastic Storia books, or perhaps Scholastic News. Sounds like a lot, right? Well, even more than that, at our school, we promote reading books just FOR FUN! Our staff works intelligently and tirelessly on creating an atmosphere where students become eager to read and learn more about authors. It is part of our culture. Well, to be quite honest, part of the deal I made with myself when I decided to leave the classroom to become a principal was to guarantee myself that I would do everything I could to continue the love of books and authors. As principal, I consider myself a Reader Leader role model. For any administrators wanting to increase the BOOK LOVE in their schools, I have compiled a list of 5 initiatives you can start TOMORROW. They don't take much time, but they can make a HUGE impact. 1. On Lunch Duty? One of my favorite things is to walk through the lunchroom during the three shifts of my elementary students with a book in my hand. I don't show it off or draw attention to it. I just carry it. It doesn't take long before kids are asking me about my book, and it is the perfect opportunity to do a 15 second book talk. I often show the pictures and ask the kids what they think is happening. Most importantly, the kids are seeing the principal enjoying a book and having discussions. 2. Book Displays After years of doing classroom bulletin boards, I missed the opportunity to spend my own money on letters, borders, and laminated photos.... well, not exactly. But I DID miss the opportunity to share things I am passionate about with kids while incorporating good literature. So, several times throughout the year I create displays of books. I have created displays of Abraham Lincoln, Caldecott Awards, hockey when local hockey players visited, and even a Star Wars display complete with original (and heavily played with) toys and figurines from the 70's and 80's. Those are just a few of my favorites. 3. Get Caught in the Library! Next time your walking around the library, stop and pick up a good book to read, but don't leave. Just sit right there in the library and read away. There is a lot of power in students seeing their principals sitting and reading in the library. They will probably even come over and ask you about what book you have which will be a perfect opportunity to recommend other books! 4. Book Birthday! Several teachers in my building enjoy learning about authors with their students. Sometimes, they check out Mr. Schu's book calendar and choose a book getting ready to be published and have its "Book Birthday." Amazon typically delivers the book in a small box, and it is hand delivered to their classroom door. I have also offered to sub in their classrooms if they need to take the 30 mile drive to the nearest Barnes and Noble. The book birthday often involves treats, decorations, reading, a lot of hype and a lot of fun! 5. Principal Read Alouds/Book Talks Once a month, I take all three sections of each grade level, one grade at a time, into the library for 30 minutes. We read books, watch book trailers, and do book talks. The teachers are free to leave and get an extra 30 minutes to collaborate while their students are with me. Principal Book Talks allow my inner classroom teacher to sneak out share some Book Love! It is also a good opportunity for all of us to read the same book and have that as a reference. If you would like more information on these 5 quick initiatives, please visit our literacy website at gcelementary.weebly.com Spread the joy of reading and be a Reader Leader! Brian Sammons K-4 Principal, Grundy Center Elementary K-12 Special Education Coordinator K-12 Title 1 Coordinator K-12 ELL Administrator SWVPP Preschool Administrator |
AuthorMr. Sammons is the principal at Grundy Center Elementary. Archives
April 2018
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