2,242,800 Reasons Behind the Culture of Reading at LMK

Reading is not just an assignment at LMK. It is an integral part of everyday life.  Everyone reads for 15 minutes daily during the morning home base, called sustained silent reading, or SSR for short. Every LMK student, all 924 of them, develops a list of independent reading books and reads about 12 books each school year. Do the math. More than 11,000 books per year…13,860 minutes of reading per day...and 2,242,800 minutes middle school students will spend reading for enjoyment this year.

 

LMK Principal Scott Fried explains, “Stop any LMK student walking in the hallway and ask what they are reading, and you will get a detailed, thoughtful explanation of their book.” That explanation most often includes genre, plot, central conflict, and an explanation about why they selected the next book on their reading list. 

 

Students are eager to share their reading experiences and describe their independent reading as “calming,” “relaxing,” and “a chance to take your mind off other things.” They also acknowledge how time spent with their independent reading books has impacted their writing and improved their ability to talk about in-class books. Students are excited to choose books they enjoy and love recommending books to their peers.

 

Building a reading culture at LMK results from ongoing planning and commitment by the ELA teachers to support reading as an enjoyable life skill and uncover the power and impact of being a reader. 

 

ELA teachers take a systemic approach to ensuring students select books at the appropriate reading level, closely monitor the progress of independent reading books, and relate student-selected books to classroom instruction. Teachers incorporate multiple books into classroom lessons and make connections to literary concepts using independently student-selected books.

 

Teachers conference with students to guide reflections about reading; students also reflect on their reading with regular journal entries. Reading Workshops during class allow teachers to conduct one-on-one discussions with students about independent books and to suggest future titles. Independent reading assessments with detailed rubrics are completed quarterly to ensure students are on track with their reading.

 

Every ELA classroom at LMK maintains a unique library that is refreshed annually to ensure student access to books. Access and regular practice are key to building engaged and successful readers.

 

So, if you are looking for a good book recommendation, LMK Middle School students are a great resource.