The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

Questions About The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

by Donalyn Miller (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (4)

I've heard a lot about this book. Would it be applicable for first grade or is it geared more to upper elementary?
Kimberly She did teach 6th graders and it is predominantly about her experience with them. However, her philosophy of building life long readers is good for an…moreShe did teach 6th graders and it is predominantly about her experience with them. However, her philosophy of building life long readers is good for any age group.(less)
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Has anyone tried Miller's method of free choice in books with older students, like those in upper secondary school/sixth form college? More aspects of reading come into play when working with older students - developing analytical ability, talking about texts in groups, reading a canon etc. I wonder if free choice reading "works" with later curricular demands, so to speak.
Amy A few on my teaching team have tried the free choice with students whom we know have a support system at home to help them navigate. For those with le…moreA few on my teaching team have tried the free choice with students whom we know have a support system at home to help them navigate. For those with less support, we encourage choosing from a range. We have wheeled book racks in the hallway outside of every class that are labeled by Running Record level. We point out where they can choose from & we teach how to choose good fit books, and the three ways to read a book.(less)
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like what tip of book is this?
Letizia If you look at the cover in the back it says "education". Overall, after reading the book I came to the conclusion it was more like "autobiographical …moreIf you look at the cover in the back it says "education". Overall, after reading the book I came to the conclusion it was more like "autobiographical teacher's diary book." I mean, what I liked about this book compared to other educational books was the way she was communicating her experiencies. I was able to get hooked in the book, her words of wisdom, something I find had from many educational books. Sometimes, tending to be boring or too redundat, unrealistic expectations in the classroom.(less)
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Has anyone tried this with 3rd graders? I think 40 books is to a bit too much for most kids but I'm not sure.
Audrey Smith I am currently trying the 40 book requirement with my 4th graders. At this point we are concluding our 15th day of school and all of my students have …moreI am currently trying the 40 book requirement with my 4th graders. At this point we are concluding our 15th day of school and all of my students have completed at least one book. In these few short weeks I have given them free choice while we've begun unpacking genres, I didn't want to set the genre requirement until they understood what each genre encompasses. I model that some of the books I read may be quick picture books, but that I balance out my reading list with novels as well. I also allow my students to count graphic novels. I've tried in earnest to show students that reading should be pleasurable, and for some of my developing readers they need to feel the success of easier picture books to feel confident enough to enjoy reading. I am well aware this is still the honeymoon period, but so far so good!(less)
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