WDYRLN Presentation

I've begun creating a PowerPoint about our reading program for presentation at a NATE workshop. This is helpful in getting my thoughts organized, so that I don't get caught up in the moment and skip over some basic information. Our program has given us so many great opportunities to promote reading this year and I don't want to omit anything that might spark a desire to promote reading among other teachers in other sytems. It has also given me a chance to reflect on what has been most effective and what we probably won't want to do again. This is a good exercise for me since the Kudzu Committe (our reading committee) will be meeting later this summer to plan for next school year.

Book on CDs

Although I've read The World is Flat, I've been listening to it on CDs to reinforce my memory since it's so complex and because it's a REALLY long book. I think every teacher I've seen this summer has mentioned something about what they've read in the book, whether they've finished (or are just starting), and something they've learned. It's impossible for me to look at a newspaper or magazine without thinking, "This is another example of the flat world." I've really enjoyed the experience and hope most of our teachers feel the same way once they've finished the book and have a chance to reflect on what they've read.

Grant for Fun Books

Today I prepared a grant that will hopefully let me buy more of the books our students have been requesting. I want to get students reading, so buying more stuff they like is a delight. Taking time to write grants is well worth the effort because when I ask, "What Did You Read Last Night?", I don't want to hear, "There's nothing I like to read here."

New Student

A father and his son, a rising freshman who hopes to come to Cullman High next year, came to visit our school yesterday. I had a chance to tell them about our WDYRLN reading program. The son is a READER! He told his father that our library had "lots better stuff" than the school he is attending. That was music to my ears. I'm really making an effort to select books that will keep students reading through their high school year for pleasure as well as to help them with research. Reading is life-changing. We need to help our students grab hold of this lifeline to their future.

Seeking New Focus for 2007-2008

Our WDYRLN reading program celebrated Alabama authors last year. Recently the idea of focusing on local Cullman authors, such as Dr. Sylvia Morris, was tossed out. I know Dr. Morris and she is a character. That makes her a fun suggestion as a speaker, but in addition to that she loves history, young people and poetry. I believe she and others would be interested in being part of our program. Does anyone else have ideas on where we need to go in the new school year? It's "kudzu" time. Let the ideas flow.

Summer Reading for Teachers

I've just finished The World Is Flat, the book provided by Dr. Harris for Cullman City teachers to read this summer. I could almost literally feel my mind expanding as I considered new ideas as I read. This is such a powerful book that I feel anyone who wants to be truly literate will need to be familiar with The World Is Flat. On a daily basis, I see something in the news, in a book I'm reading, or a commercial I'm watching that echoes ideas that I first considered while reading this book. What a wonderful gift.