What kind of Reader are we in Totara 1?

The implementation of the reading survey with Totara 1 was a very interesting exercise.  A very large number of my students don't see themselves as readers and have a real barrier towards reading.  75% of my students indicate that they don't like reading at school.  This correlates to the 78.6%of students who have indicated they don't like reading for enjoyment in their own time.  

The majority of students in my class do not actively borrow on a regular basis, therefore their personal reading over holidays and for enjoyment is low.  A large number of students see themselves as good readers which is a positive.    

The tamariki see themselves as good readers but were unable to explain how that reflected within our data.

One thing we implemented immediately was a refreshed approach to our 'library corner' within our classroom.  I am very fortunate to have a double classroom space and a breakout space in between.  The first thing we have done is create a space where the students want to be - it is a work in progress!  We have moved our library space into the break out space.  We have taken all the books and sported them into genre.  One of the big takeways we discovered from completing our survey was students felt overwhelmed when selecting a book.  We decided to store our books in topics/genres to help takeaway that stressor.  The students were the ones who categorised them and we spent a good chunk of time working together and deciding on what went where.  We had a few tricky ones that they could decide so as a class we shared the blurbs, discussed the covers and brainstormed where we felt they were a 'good fit'.  This excercise was amazing!  So many of my reluctant learners were exposed to books that they didn't know we had.  I bought out my collection of books from my own children and added them.  Lots of rich discussion were had

Fair to say the 'Reading Nook" is a hit so far!  With comfy cushions and bean bags and a fluffy blanket why wouldn't it be!  Children are asking to read in there, work in there or just pop in before school.  In my eyes this can only be a win win.  They may not have a text in their hands but they are sourounded by literature!  We are looking forward to continuing to make our space our own.  Next step is to buy containers to store each topic to make it even easier to find what we are looking for.