Reluctant Readers: Book Stacks

As reading teachers, we are often faced with the reluctant reader.  We often struggle with how to turn our reluctant readers into “TRUE” readers who enjoy literature and get joy out of reading. Recently, I have found a tactic that seems to be successful for me time and time again.  I like to call it “Book Stacks”.  With this tactic, which I stumbled upon while reading The Book Whisperer, I gather up a collection of books (3-5) for my reluctant readers based upon their interests.  I use the reading interest inventories they created at the start of school year, along with the information I have gathered on them as a reader, in order to pull together a stack of books to promote literacy.  Then, I place the books on their desk and share with them that I gathered up some books that  I thought they might be interested in reading.  Depending upon the student, I sometimes take a moment and share a little about each book with them and then I walk away to give them time to review the books.  Other times, I simply tell them I was thinking about them I thought they might be interested in these books.  I tend to mix it up based upon their personalities and their needs.  Either way, I have found the “Book Stacks” to be highly beneficial.  Often, the students select a book the very first time I provide them with a “Book Stack”.  They then come back and ask for more.  Other times, I provide the “Book Stack” two or three times, but within a few tries it takes and they are HOOKED.  In addition, “Book Stacks” help to build a stronger rapport with my students.  It’s a WIN WIN!