Our Plans for Reading Children's (or YA) Literature in 2025! by Diane Watt

Diane Watt

2024-11-26 19:37:33 UTC

In addition to a number of titles you introduced me to in your Genre Study papers, I plan to read more graphic novels in 2025. This genre appeals to many of our students when they have access to them. The visuals not only add to the richness of the text as a whole, they provide great visual support for reluctant and/or struggling readers. Win, win!

2025 reading goals

2024-11-27 02:56:04 UTC

I really appreciated the video by Colby Sharp. I especially like his point about “not wanting reading to be something that is just owned by the school” and allowing students to have ownership over their reading. I think this is something that teachers I have encountered continue to struggle with, is allowing their students to be interested in different kinds of books, especially when it comes to comic books and picture books. I think this hinders the ability for children to grow a love for reading through these books and eventually move onto things like graphic novels. Truthfully, I don’t think I was able to grow a love for reading due to these attitudes from my teachers growing up. For that reason, my personal reading goal for 2025 is honestly to try and get myself excited about reading again and find a genre of novels that I want to keep picking up. As for my reading goals as a teacher, I hope to read more graphic novels that I could incorporate into my classroom for readers like myself who enjoy the visual aspect to a story.

-Emma Holmes

Readings for 2025 - Alyssa MacMillan

2024-11-27 13:33:51 UTC

In 2025, I hope to start reading more graphic novels. I find students today enjoy having a relationship with both the written word and corresponding visual aids because some students struggle to visualize what they are reading. In order to enhance my students reading comprehension and vocabulary I am hoping to add, This Place: 150 Years Retold by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson. The first graphic novel explores 150 years through the eyes of Indigenous creators and the reader is able to see historical events from thier perspective which I think would be a wonderful addition to the classroom. The second graphic novel follows the struggles and relationship of two brothers in Kenya. It discusses the life of refugee camps and the lack of access to clean water, medical care, and potentional educational opportunities. Reading the description of both of these books I am intrigued to dive in, in 2025!

Reading Goals

2024-12-03 01:33:11 UTC

Through this course, I have had the opportunity to learn more about Danielle Daniel's powerful work, as an author and illustrator. I am hoping to read more of Daniel's books in 2025, including some more recent publications; 'I'm Afraid Said the Leaf' (2024), and 'Sometimes I Feel Like a River' (2023). Through Daniel's texts, readers have opportunities to learn more about Indigenous culture, reflecting some of the values and traditions of Daniel's ancestors. Daniel's texts provide valuable themes and powerful takeaway messages to reach a younger audience of readers.

-Raquel S.