In addition to my own read aloud visits, I made sure to catch my staff in action as well documenting experiences in addition to enjoying the literature shared. Caught our drama teacher sharing a very serious introduction to a novel, math teachers challenging kids to engage in and fight the Math Curse, Aggies sharing their love and passion for their school and tradition, board members displaying their own love for reading, instructional coaches enjoying the moments back in the classroom and list goes on! It brings me back to my own love and appreciation for reading that didn't develop until I learned how to teach it right!
So much value in helping students develop a healthy love and respect for literature and immersing them in a wealth of different kinds of books. In so many ways it sets them up for success. Positive models of fluency reading, models of how good readers think about what they read, exposure to different authors and genres, building vocabulary, development of grammar, models of quality writing, opportunities to connect to content, and on and on and on. I cut my teeth as a teacher on Fountas & Pinnell (got to eat lunch with Irene Fountas. One of many highlights of my professional learning!), Lucy Calkins, Debbie Miller as well as others and put their research and experiences into practice in my classroom then strove to lead to teachers in the same endeavor! It is was what most motivated me as I made my transition to administration and enjoy most about my job!
When I find myself losing touch with that, a visit to a classroom with a book and purpose brings me right back to focus!