Linda Kulp Trout

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Holiday Reading Fun

What do you get when you mix poetic picture books, holiday music, a few snacks, and kids?  Our Picture Book Holiday Read-In!  On Monday, I filled several tables in our media center with picture books. My middle school students were allowed to choose which books they wanted to read.

I loved hearing their excitement as they recommended a book to a classmate, bragged about the number of books they read during our Read-In, and told me their favorite details from their books.   The students are in my six reading intervention classes. They don't usually list reading as their favorite activity.  Yet, there they were enjoying books!  

Many of the kids commented about how relaxing the time the read-in was. It was like they suddenly discovered READING!  I encouraged them to find a book and have their very own read-in at home. 

I thought I'd share a few photos. You might recognize some of these books! 












Another fun holiday activity this week was watching my granddaughter, Evie,  decorate her Christmas tree.  All the decorations ended up on one side, but it was the most beautiful tree I've ever seen.  Then we baked cookies!







Happy Holidays!

Head on over to Buffy's Blog for more poetry fun!

17 comments:

  1. What could be better than having kids discover that reading is fun! Thanks for sharing the photos of your readers (and your adorable granddaughter!)

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    1. Thank you, Buffy. I was so happy the kids enjoyed it!

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  2. Lovely to have a poetry read-in, & to see the pics of the students and your granddaughter. Merry Christmas!

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  3. What a great celebration (non-stress/reading is fun!) you provided - lucky students. And the only thing prettier than the asymmetrically decorated little tree is that lovely smile in Evie's face.
    Merry Christmas to you & yours!

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    1. Hi Robyn, Evie was so proud of her tree. What fun it is to see Christmas through her eyes!

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  4. Wonderful -- love all the photos, and your special little cookie chef :)! Merry Christmas!

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    1. Hey Jama, you and Evie in the kitchen would make a great pair. I know you'd come up with something delicious! Merry Christmas!

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  5. Oh what fun
    it is to read
    with a treat this holiday!

    We should talk more about reading "parties," reading "bees," reading "festivals." Why not make it social, why not (gasp!) eat and drink near the books, why not celebrate? Gorgeous idea, Linda.

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  6. Heidi, I agree with you! I'll try anything to help encourage my students to read. We did have one spill on a book, but it was only water and I had paper towels at the ready. My principal loved the idea so much, he wants the whole school to do it! So, I have a plan!!! : )
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  7. The perfect activity for this hectic time! Loved the tree!

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  8. It was very nice, and as many of the kids commented, "it relaxing." I think kids feel the stress of our fast-paced lifestyle as much as we do. Thanks for stopping by, Donna. Merry Christmas!

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  9. I just love everything about a Picture Book Holiday Read-In! Thanks for sharing!

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  10. Thanks, Penny. Have a great holiday!

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  11. Aw, how lucky are those kids to have you sharing books with them. Thank you! I'm honored to have ROCK in there with books by Irene, Ralph, and Sylvia/Janet! Happy Holidays, Linda!

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  12. Choice is HUGE, isn't it? Whether it's the books they read or the way they decorate.

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