I am participating in the Two Writing Teachers Annual March Slice of Life Story Challenge.
Sometimes when I read a book, I know just the student I am going to hand it off to. After reading The Skin I'm In last week, I could not wait until today.
During homeroom this morning when my student walked in, I told her, "I have a book I want you to read."
She rolled her eyes and gave me that look that said, "Yeah, right."
Did I mention that she doesn't like to read? And that she hasn't finished a book the entire year. But I'm not about to give up on her.
At the end of homeroom I made the hand off.
I took the book out of my and bag and said, "Here is the book. I really do think you will like it if you just give it a chance."
"Uhmm," she mumbled. I could tell she was trying her best to ignore me, but I pressed on.
"It is about a girl who gets teased and bullied because of how dark her skin is. She has very low esteem. She has a mirror that her dad gave her, which helps her to see herself in a different way." She continued to roll her eyes. Because of her body language, I could tell she wasn't interested, so I knew I had to do something different. I followed up with, "Oh, and toward the end, she catches her classroom on fire."
That perked her up. I could tell she was warming up to the idea, so I left the book on her desk. When the bell rang for the next period, I looked at her desk. Yes, the book was gone. That was a start.
I have this student the last period of the day. When she walked in, I asked her, "Did you start the book?"
"Yes, I did," she replied showing no emotion whatsoever.
"You think you're going to like?" I asked crossing my fingers.
"Maybe..." she says with a slight smile.
Yes! I love the hand off!
Yes! I love the hand off!
That slight smile... just what you hoped for!
ReplyDeleteThat smile was a give-away. We know our students whether they like it or not.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope she likes it! I can just see your smile, Leigh Anne! I often am the one rolling my eyes when I recommend picture books to my perplexed Kindergarteners in the library and they look at me like, "Yeah. I don't think so." LOL!
ReplyDeleteThat is the best job ever, handing off the just right book to the just right kid. Hope it reaps results.
ReplyDeleteI miss getting to do this. Sometimes I can't keep myself from "handing off" books to strangers in the library or bookstore. Fingers crossed that she'll finish it. I think the slight smile is a step in the right direction.
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