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Creating Life-Long Readers: A Philosophy of Literature in My Classroom

As a literature-rich educator my goal is to create passionate, life-long readers. I
will do so by providing quality books, creating a literature-rich classroom, using books
across the curriculum, and following my dispositions as a literature-rich teacher. By
encouraging and engaging students in the classroom, they will begin to connect literature
to their own lives and develop an enthusiasm for reading.
Students benefit both academically and socially from quality literature. Not only
does reading aloud increase test scores, it introduces readers to new titles, authors,
illustrators, genres, and text structures. Reading aloud also provides younger students
with demonstrations of oral reading and fluency. Illustrations engage students in the
reading and provide for better visual comprehension. Reading provides opportunities for
students to discuss their emotions and opinions, and students will begin to feel respected
when their classmates listen to their ideas. Students will begin to develop a passion for
reading and, with encouragement, will become lifelong readers.
Creating a literature-rich classroom means more than just reading to students.
Teachers must engage their students in thoughtful pre and post discussions about the
literature and provide the literature at a time when it correlates to the curriculum. I will
carefully choose quality literature to read to my students that is interdisciplinary. By
doing so, students will be able to relate the content to their learning, therefore providing
them with an in-depth learning experience and exploration. As for student reading, I will
create a reading corner in my classroom where students can sit and enjoy a book during
down time. Next to this corner will be bookshelves lined with handpicked childrens
books I believe to be appropriate for their age level. These bookshelves will include
classics like Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein, as well as new stories and a variety of genres.
I believe it is important for students to have access to quality literature both inside and
outside of the classroom; therefore students will be able to choose from my bookshelves
and checkout any books they would like. A literature-rich classroom means students are
engaged in reading and are provided with opportunities and access to quality literature at
all times.
Literature can be used in many areas across the curriculum. I will not read books
that just go along with units of study; I will read books that construct the units of study. I
will use books that provide a new perspective or insight into the content in order for
extended discussions. Activities such as art or writing projects could follow these
discussions and allow for a more creative aspect of learning. These discussions and
projects will help students to understand the connections between the literature and the
subject they are learning. When students begin to understand the connection between the
reading and their learning or life, they will become more interested in the literature and
value its existence.
As a future educator, I want to increase my students experiences with literature
and help them construct interpretations from a variety of perspectives and be able to
make connections between the literature and events in their lives. By choosing a variety

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of genres and texts, my purpose is to interest and engage students in reading and
encourage them to continue reading and learning. I believe it is about teaching children
why to read, not just how to read.
In order to become life-long readers, students need constant encouragement and
excitement about reading. By providing quality literature across the curriculum, creating
a literature-rich classroom, and following my dispositions as a future educator, I believe I
can create a classroom of passionate learners that are excited about reading and will
continue to enjoy what literature has to offer them throughout their lives.