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Willingham Primary School

Reading Records: More Than A Chore

One of the best presents I ever received was a gift which helps me to love books more. That’s right, EVEN MORE! You won’t be able to guess it... It was… a reading record! In it, I can write down my thoughts and opinions about all the books that I have read. 

“What’s the point of that, Mr. Baugh?” I hear you cry, “Why not just read books?” 

I’m glad you asked! 

  1. It helps me to remember 

At Willingham Primary School, we believe that we remember best what we think about most. That’s why you probably remember the best, worst and most embarrassing moments of your life. Mr. Baugh certainly remembers waaaaaaay too many embarrassing things from his life! Well, keeping a record of the books I have read helps me to think about them and remember them. What’s the point in enjoying a book then forgetting all about it?? 

  1. It helps me to reflect 

In a reading assembly recently, I shared one of my favourite quotes: ‘It’s not about how many books you get through; it’s about how many books get through to you.’ Sometimes it’s ok to just read an easy, silly book just because it’s easy. But at other times, we read books that make us think and feel deep thoughts and feels! I have laughed out loud at books and cried myself to sleep because of them. Writing my thoughts helps me consider what was truly special about each and every book that ‘gets through to me’. 

  1. It helps me to recommend 

I am a lucky teacher. Why? Because wherever I go, I have children from across the whole school come and tell me what they are reading. I love it! But they also often ask me something tricky: “What shall I read next?” That’s a tough one! Having a record of all the books I’ve read definitely helps. It means I’ve created my own virtual library stacked with books that I can select from when recommending books to children who have all sorts of interests. Some of my favourite moments as a teacher have been hearing pupils in my class recommend books to each other, be it Warrior Cats, Adventures on Trains or Murder Most Unladylike (all real examples!). 

 

So when you get your reading records sent home this week, why not try using it to help you remember, reflect on and recommend the AMAZING books you will read this year? 

Mr. Baugh