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It’s no surprise “read more,” often tops the list of New Year’s resolutions for students. It’s an easy way to impress teachers and parents—up there with eating more vegetables and being kind to classmates. And while resolving to read more is a great starting point for students, it’s still important to help them dig below the surface of this resolution, encouraging them to not only read more but to also read with intention.
When your students read with intention, reading becomes more than just turning the pages of a new book they think they may find interesting—it transforms reading into a powerful tool to help them achieve their goals inside and outside the classroom. These 8 reading resolutions for the new year will not only give new meaning and purpose to reading but will inspire accountability and a life-long love of reading among your students, too!
Keep a reading diary.
A reading diary or journal is a wonderful tool for students to measure their progress and write about the books they read. Encourage your students to list all their reading goals and resolutions for the year, along with books they hope to read, inspiring quotes, and ideas they want to share with their classmates and teachers. Each week ask students to write about the book(s) they’re reading, giving them prompts to help them reflect on what they’re learning.
Read 10 books about extraordinary events in history.
Whether it’s the sinking of the Titanic, The American Revolution, the Great Chicago Fire, or women in history, reading about history—and drawing important parallels to the world today—is important for students. Books from the best-selling I Survived series are a great way to introduce young readers to historic events and connect with fictionalized characters who had to endure unbelievable struggle and turmoil.
Find a book buddy to read to all year long.
Reading aloud to a younger friend will help your students build fluency and hold them accountable when it comes to their reading practice. Join forces with a teacher a grade level below you and pair students with one another, then help your students choose books to read aloud that will both challenge them as readers and engage their younger audience.
Read 5 books that take place in a fantasy world.
There’s nothing more exciting than getting lost in the world of fantasy! Whether they tag along with Harry Potter or fall down the rabbit hole in classics like Alice in Wonderland, encourage your students to explore new worlds this year.
Read aloud—and be read aloud to—every day.
Reading aloud and being read aloud to are effective ways for your students to build fluency, expand vocabulary, and develop a life-long love of reading. This new year, encourage your students to read aloud to themselves, a classmate, a teacher, or loved one, and then switch roles to receive maximum benefit.
Read 3 non-fiction books about a historical figure.
In any event in history, there’s often an important person your students can read about to provide even more historical context. The I Am series is a great resource for students to learn about historical—and even contemporary—figures, from the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr. to Cleopatra, Helen Keller, Lebron James, and more!
Read 6 (or more!) books about cultural differences or diversity.
Reading about diversity is an important component of social-emotional learning. By committing to reading books on cultural differences, your students will be able to interact with the world in a more kind, empathic, and compassionate way.
Talk about every book you read.
To get the most out of the stories they read, your students have to talk about them. Encourage your young readers to discuss what they’re reading with someone every day. Carve out time for in-class discussion when you can and remind parents to engage their kids in conversation about the books they’re reading, too. Whether it’s with a teacher, classmate, friend, or parent, the conversations books inspire will shape your students’ lives as readers!