This is so easy.

1. Allocate silent reading for as many days as you can.

2. In every silent reading session wander around and quietly ask children what they are reading, and if they are enjoying the book. (Three times a term, you jot down the date and the title of the book each child is reading and the page.)

3. As you wander, give an honest opinion on as many books as you can. e.g.  I love Roald Dahl.  And praise as many of the readers as you can.  (Include all reading abilities.)

4. Once a week, cut the ‘silent reading’ short, and ask, ‘Who is reading a good book?’ (You know what the kids are reading so you can select children and praise them.  e.g. ‘Jim is reading an excellent book by Justin D’Ath.  The story is completely unbelievable but it is so exciting.  Has anyone else read a book like this?) This book is also a film.  Is anyone else reading  a book which has been made into a film?

5. When children borrow books from the library take along your notes.  Refer to them and give an opinion on which books kids have chosen, and help them choose books. (If children consistently don’t bring library bags on their library day, or return books, give them a worksheet to do – strangely, it helps them remember!)

Before you know it, every child is reading. You also have personalized comments for school reports. You will find kids who linger on books too long(now you can prompt them to choose another book), kids who can’t read books(direct them to easier books), kids who need to be pushed(direct them to harder books). Because you are providing stimulating questions, the kids begin to focus on literacy.

(I have included a list of brief reviews of some of the books I have read.)