It takes this support to not only spend every spare cent on school supplies/books (as I know all teachers do), but to invest the time engrossed in a book is a culture that her family supports and, I'm sure, participates in themselves. 3) She has the ultimate and complete support of her family. I know of a handful that might be right there with her, and they'll be the first that I recommend this book to. We need more teachers like her that are truly gifted. She knows her literature and is a true expert in her field. You cannot make these recommendations lightly - these are students. Add to that the time spent finding books and preparing them for library use. She speaks to the simplicity of her 'allowing students to read' concept, but downplays some very critical points - 1) She is a dedicated teacher who obviously spends multiple hours not only pouring over the plethora of books her students might read, but to review and comment in their notebooks and to make suggestions? That takes serious time beyond the normal life of even a great teacher. What Donalyn does, though, is remarkable. Then, how can we implement the concept at our site? She and I are of the same belief and I know she'll embrace the concept as much as I do. Immediately after finishing this book, I spent a considerable time texting with my academic coach in which I recommended she read it pronto. I have been in education for 25 years and have cringed at teaching language arts, not because I don't adore reading (which I do), but because I hate group reads, anthologies, and worksheets that students spend more time on than actual reading!

So Donalyn Miller did for me what no other professional development book ever has - it has made me want to leave administration and actually become a reading/language arts teacher. The Book Whisperer includes a dynamite list of recommended 'kid lit' that helps parents and teachers find the books that students really like to read. Data from student surveys and end-of-year feedback that proves how well the Miller Method works.

Tactics for helping students walk on their own two feet and continue the reading habit after they've finished with your class.Hands-on strategies for managing and improving your own school library.Her love of books and teaching is both infectious and inspiring. Instead, she helps students navigate the world of literature and gives them time to read books they pick out themselves. Miller's unconventional approach dispenses with drills and worksheets that make reading a chore. No matter how far behind Miller's students might be when they reach her 6th grade classroom, they end up reading an average of 40 to 50 books a year. Turn any student into a bookworm with a few easy and practical strategiesĭonalyn Miller says she has yet to meet a child she can't turn into a reader.

The book whisperer by donalyn miller