Understand and explore what students are interested in, value and care about
In this section, explore the value of removing stigma about reading below perceived grade level, and how we can do so!
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What is a Reading River?
What is a Reading River?
A reading river is a visual map of texts read by an individual over a period of time. These texts are ordered chronologically and are typically represented using a variety of artefacts (e.g., screenshots of text messages, pictures of book covers, ticket stubs, recipes).
Why use Reading Rivers?
Why use Reading Rivers?
Build Identity
Build Identity
Broadens understanding of what reading entails and encourages both students and teachers to see themselves as readers
Provides opportunities to reflect upon the reading done in and outside of school
Makes connections between reading for pleasure and for purpose, as well as at home and in school
Understand Students’ Interests
Understand Students’ Interests
Enables teachers to understand their students’ interests and reading preferences
Informs book recommendations for students
Start Conversations
Start Conversations
Provides opportunities for discussions around reading with teachers and peers
When should Reading Rivers be used?
When should Reading Rivers be used?
Reading Rivers may be most suited for the start of a term or unit as a platform for community-building and arousing interest in reading.
How should Reading Rivers be enacted?
How should Reading Rivers be enacted?
Set a fixed time span that the Reading River should cover (e.g., over 24 hours or the weekend)
Be curious, rather than evaluative, about how/ what/ when/ why students read outside of the classroom
Emphasise and celebrate student-led reading instead of prioritising certain text types
Include both teachers and students in creating their Reading Rivers
Provide a conducive environment for sharing and discussion of the reading rivers
Allow for flexibility in modes depending on the class context and profile
The reading rivers may be done on paper or in digital format (e.g., Google Slides, Padlet).
Discussion of the reading rivers could also be done either face-to-face or virtually (e.g., Padlet comments, conference calls).
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