The ‘Barnes and Noble’ Effect

When it comes to literacy teaching and learning, I am all about authenticity. If it’s not a behavior that a real reader or writer would engage in, then why include it in your day?

At the top of the authenticity list is a reader or writer’s ability to choose. When offering students opportunities to choose, consider situations that facilitate the way you make choices as a reader or writer.

For example, when you go into a book store like Barnes and Noble, what do you do? If you’re like me, you probably walk to a section of the store that contains books you’re interested in reading. You browse the selections…looking for a particular title or a book on a specific topic. You might be drawn to displays that show the front covers of new books.

You might talk to other readers who are browsing in the same section of the store or speak with an employee who can assist you in making a choice. Depending on how much time you have, you might select a few books, find a comfy place to sit, curl up and read a bit. All of these actions help you to make your book selection(s). When you dedicate this much time to the selection process, there’s a high probability that you will actually read the book(s) you have chosen.

Transfer this scenario to the classroom. Isn’t this what we want for our students…a high probability that they will actually read? How can we facilitate this process? By turning your classroom library into Barnes and Noble! Organize your books by particular authors, genres and topics. Display books with covers facing out. Allow time for students to talk with each other about books. Engage students in conversations with you about books. Designate a cozy space for students to curl up and browse. The time it takes to create this type of learning environment will be worth the effort. I guarantee you will see an increase in your students’ motivation to read and ability to make smart choices. Setting the stage for engaging in this type of authentic reading behavior increases student responsibility and ownership in the reading process.

For ideas on obtaining books to add to your classroom library, check out Beth Newingham’s post on the Scholastic website: Give Your Classroom Library a Boost

This post was inspired by the picture above. I walked into the living room yesterday to find my daughter setting up her books along the couch. Even three year olds understand how to create an authentic reading experience!