A book was recommended in a meeting I attended last week. (Personal recommendations are powerful!)  I got a copy of it and started reading. I couldn’t put it down. It confirmed my thoughts about reading and how we need to provide choice and time for our students to “get the bug” and develop a true love of reading.  The title is The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. Miller refers to Stephen Krashen, an ELL expert, and his studies about reading. Stephen Krashen has been advocating free voluntary reading for years as a powerful method to acquire language. In her book, Miller provides examples from her experiences and practical methods to help teachers implement a free reading program in their classrooms. It is a book I would highly recommend!

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/