Common Themes: 40 Book Challenge

Having these conferences is a great tool for me because I get to finally hear what the burning questions are from families and one came up over and over: The 40 Book Challenge!

So let's get all of the information out there so we are all on the same page and able to be successful this year!

First of all, yes I have challenged all of the fourth graders to read at least 40 books this school year.  I absolutely expect that ALL of the students will reach that goal.  I have high expectations for my students but they are not unattainable by any means as long as they are worked on consistently and diligently.  The pupose of the challenge is not only to get students reading more books than they thought they might have been able to read otherwise, but also to expose students to new genres that they may not have tried before.  We all know how we get stuck in those "ruts" and read the same thing over and over, it gets easy and comfortable and if we enjoy it then why not?  I totally agree and I would absolutely rather that students are reading something instead of nothing!  However, 4th grade standards require that students are reading in a variety of genres for a variety of purposes.  Since we are all trying to meet standard, the 40 book challenge is a great way to get there!

Now, all that said, several parents expressed concern that their student is falling behind in their reading or that they won't make it to the 40 book challenge.  To that I have two things to say.  First is to take a deep breath and continue to encourage your student to read.  Go to a public library and have the librarian suggest a new book to your student based on his/her current favorites or maybe something just interesting overall!  Ask other peers for recommendations or go online - there are literally millions of sites giving list after list of ideas of great books at every reading level!  Secondly, don't focus on your student failing the challenge.  We talk a lot in our class about how attitude is everything and if you think you can't, you're right, but if you think you can, you're also right.  Help your student adopt that mentality by continuing to find new books to read and the 40 books will naturally come with that.  Book orders are great motivating tools that students have to choose a book they are interested in.  Scholastic has a number of books that are very affordable and make great stocking stuffers and gifts throughout the year!  Focusing on "what if" situations only distracts you from that goal of reading!  :) 

As long as everyone is doing their best, reading great books, and writing about reading, I couldn't be happier, whether it's 20 books or 100.  The main goal is to read MORE this year than you have in the past or than you thought was possible. 

This year alone there are already several students who are reading close to 1,000 pages and some who are already surpassing that mark and have achieved membership in the 1,000 Page Club and are working toward the 2,000 page club!  Great job and keep up the great reading over your long break!