Hacking Literacy: 5 Ways To Turn Any Classroom Into a Culture Of Readers

by Gerard Dawson

What if every single student loved to read? Isn't it likely that curiosity, creativity, and achievement would skyrocket? It's time to build a culture of readers at your school In Hacking Literacy , classroom teacher, author, and reading consultant Gerard Dawson reveals 5 simple ways any educator or parent can turn even the most reluctant reader into a thriving, enthusiastic lover of books. Dawson cuts through outdated pedagogy and standardization, turning reading theory to practice, sharing powerful reading strategies, and providing what Hack Learning Series readers have come to expect--actionable, do-it-tomorrow strategies that can be built into longterm solutions. Ignite lifelong readers today The struggle to get students to read has ended. With a little commitment from teachers, parents, and school leaders, all of your students will read every single day! It all happens when you implement Gerard Dawson's powerful system, clearly outlined in this What separates Hacking Literacy from other reading books? Dawson provides step-by-step implementation strategies for putting books in kids' hands without breaking the bank and for sparking a genuine love of reading in even the most reluctant readers. This experienced, thoughtful, pragmatic classroom teacher shares amazing, real anecdotes that make you feel like you are a guest at a school filled with avid readers. Along the way, Dawson shares practical solutions that you and all stakeholders will love, using the popular Hack Learning Are you ready for your own culture of readers?
Scroll up and grab your copy of Hacking Literacy now.

Genres: Professional Development

108 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2016

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really good ideas in here for creating a culture of reading in your classroom. While little of the information in this book was 100% new to me, it was presented in an easy to follow format, with practical suggestions for things you can do right away, as well as longer-term changes that can help make your classroom a place where reading in valued and encouraged.

I think that one of the biggest takeaways from this book is that teachers need to model what it is to be a reader. I know too many teachers, even English teachers, who don't read for pleasure. I firmly believe in that quote about non-readers only being readers who haven't found the right book yet, and one of the things I miss about being in the classroom is not having the opportunity to share my love of books with students. I was relentless when it came to finding a book that would spark the interest of a reluctant reader. Maybe what I need to do it transfer that energy towards my colleagues, and become that pushy reading coach who is constantly going on about the books I'm reading, and recommending books to others.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd recommend this as a short overview to some of the best practices recommended by leading authors about literacy instruction. It includes some strategy gems, but it seems a little sad to miss the background thinking provided in the original source material (a bit like watching a movie version of a book you love - there are often details that are omitted). The format is very user-friendly, with sections about potential pushback from other learning community members, ideas for immediate use, and examples of ideas in action.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the author presents some clear, "simple to implement tomorrow" ideas, I was disappointed overall with the book. The author admits he has only a few years experience and that the book is a compilation of ideas he's gathered from other authors and teachers, yet he does not cut a single source.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is pretty much the SparkNotes of any Nancie Atwell reading workshop book. However, this was a quick, conversational read. I especially liked the "What You Can Do Tomorrow" suggestions.

[Toni Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Math teacher who LOVES to read and is now teaching a reading block, this book is filled with great strategies I can start implementing tomorrow!

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Pretty convincing. It's so hard to give up 5-10 minutes a day when I only have students for 47 minutes, but I'm going to try it--at least a couple of times a week. (I feel like I'm stepping off a ledge into thin air hoping there's something to catch me....) I've also been really thinking about how I'm going to make sure independent reading is more supported than just giving them time (although that's big, of course.) I also don't want assessment to get in the way of authentic reading. For the last couple of years, this has seemed a paradox. This gave me a few ideas and supported the ideas I already had. Check in with me in a few months....

[Sarah Berblinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I could have written. It's a general overview of a process teachers can use to help create a culture of reading in their classroom. The author reminded me of some things I need to remember, but I didn't find a lot of new ideas here: as the author quotes from better books on the subject that I've already read. However, I definitely agree with his concluding statement: "Reading is the best gift that we can give students to set them up for a successful future."

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would make great book club read for a school. There are great ideas and it could be easily supplemented with articles, blog posts. Teachers could try different ideas and report back to the group. I like he positive attitude throughout the book. We have a culture where are trying to help kids that can't read and that's commendable. It's worse though to have kids that can read and don't want to read. This book can help overcome those obstacles.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing super revolutionary in here, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The format is simple and straight to the point. Definitely have a few dog-eared pages for things I want to implement in my own classroom.

[Lauren Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great text on considering how to create a culture of readers!

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Amy Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how practical some of the suggestions are for large scale classrooms, but it was a good read as an ELA teacher.

[Mary Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good ideas and ideas that I have previously read in other books, but with added insight.

[Abbey T · Rating 1 out of 5]

No new information and it literally took me about 8 minutes to read.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good tips but nothing life-changing. If you've read Donalyn Miller (or any of the recent literacy ed. articles out there), the content is nothing new. Much of what was said is better explained in The Book Whisperer, so I guess this could be considered a watered down version but with much less substance (no research to support claims, lacks thorough explanations of the why, "hacks" are very basic - setting up a classroom library, etc.). Also, the author admits he doesn't have a lot of classroom experience which shows through his basic ideas about how to implement choice in the ELA classroom. Definitely not cost-worthy when you consider what you could get from someone more seasoned.

[Tia Brickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! My mind is abuzz with new ideas and strategies to create a reading culture.

[Margarita Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick reading. This is more suitable for secondary education i believe. I expected more hacks to be honest

[Cindy Dean]

Tons of great ideas to help students become lifelong readers.