Behaviors Build Beliefs

On Being a Teacher of Readers and Writers

Image Source: The Republic of Letters

Working at the bookstore on a busy Saturday night, a former student came up to check out. Giving him his receipt with his copy of Hamlet, he asked me if he remembers the title of the book I recommended to the class when he was in 5th grade. “It was about...trolls?”

I paused. I couldn’t remember the exact title. “It might have been The Hobbit. Good book for 5th grade. Have you read it yet?” A year out of high school, he hadn’t yet, but intended to. “I want to watch the Lord of the Ring series, one at a time, after reading each book.” I suggested he borrow my son’s (and his friend’s) copy of the Middle Earth almanac that I had given him.

This book recommendation happened a decade ago. I do remember speaking to all 5th grade classrooms about some of my favorites from my own teaching at this age level. That he remembers that I endorsed The Hobbit speaks to our influence on our students.

I don’t recall all the books I recommended. What I do remember is following a similar path this former student described; I read The Lord Of the Rings trilogy in similar fashion, watching the movies in tandem with reading each title in the series. I didn’t read those books to recommend them. I recommended them because I genuinely wanted to read them and enjoyed them.

Teacher readers and writers goes beyond instructional skills and professional knowledge. Educators who have a disposition toward reading and writing can more effectively persuade students to engage in literacy activities. We speak from personal experience, for example putting aside books and drafts of writing we started but didn’t like in favor of a better title or idea. Teachers and leaders can’t fake an affinity toward literacy.

We cultivate a disposition toward reading and writing by reading and writing. Behaviors build beliefs. Our beliefs and values shape how we teach readers and writers. It’s a virtuous cycle we can choose to restart or embrace at anytime.

Take care,

Matt

When has your own reading life influenced your teaching in a way that surprised you?

What I Will Be Watching

I just learned that The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is coming back to the theaters next month (extended editions, of course). This is in celebration of the Oscar-winning films’ 25th anniversary. The book is almost always better than the movie, but I am pressed to find a better companion of print and film.

What I’m Reading

As I wrote about previously, a coaching colleague gave away his professional library to friends. I’m reading Who Do We Choose To Be?: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity by Margaret J. Wheatley. If I am being honest, it’s a somewhat depressing book. Wheatley shares historic patterns of collapse in complex civilizations. Yet her call to action to lead in spite of turbulent times is inspiring.

Professional Learning I am Looking Forward to

Full subscribers are invited to the next quarterly Professional Conversation featuring Penny Kittle, veteran teacher and author of several books, including Micro Mentor Texts.

​We will explore the nuances of using short texts from great books to teach writing craft. Unlike typical professional development, this conversation will center on open, interpretative questions to fuel a engaging discussion.

​We will prepare for the conversation by:

• ​Reading closely: Examine one of two texts.

• ​Engage deeply: Learn with colleagues and build on their thinking.

• ​Apply immediately: Connect the group’s insights to your professional practice.

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