[CASL-L] Reading Culture / Independent Reading Plan

[Melissa Thom]

This is such a great idea!!

Something new we are trying with all 6th graders and 7th and 8th graders
who are in my books clubs is the Million Word Challenge!
You can find more information here---
* Some files
<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mG6tBJk5g_Lm6Wl84Q_6wDvchXXF1Osy?usp=sharing>to
make a bulletin board
* Website where we found it:
https://heynatayle.com/the-million-word-reading-challenge-for-middle-school/


#JoyfulReading!!!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Melissa


Melissa Thom
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On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 2:38 PM Whiting, Jacquelyn via CASL-L <
casl-l at mylist.net> wrote:

> Hi, all!
>
> This is my second year at my school, and I am focusing on building a
> reading culture. We do not have SSR or any similar dedicated time during
> the day. Some literacy teachers have students check out independent reading
> books, others do not.
>
> I have decided to launch a new program; each grade level's extended
> learning time on Wednesdays in the library will be for H.A.L.F. Time. Half
> way through the week, half way through the day, and lasting half an hour,
> we will *H*ave *A* *L*ittle *F*un reading in the library. Bring a book or
> check out one of ours to enjoy. No games, no socializing, just page
> turning. Everyone at WMS is welcome.
>
> I am wondering if anyone else has a similar program and can share
> wisdom and suggestions borne out of your experiences. I have attached the
> flier that is hanging around the school, posted on our library
> announcements, and was emailed to all students and staff.
>
> I was thinking of making a thermometer style sign to measure how many
> books we read. Or making a bulletin board of a field or court and we add
> pages to it to show when we have read so many books that the pages cover
> the playing surface.
>
> Any and all ideas and feedback are appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jackie
>
> --
> Jacquelyn Whiting (she/her/hers)
> Teacher-Librarian
> Whisconier Middle School
> Library Website
> <https://sites.google.com/a/brookfieldps.org/whisconier-library-media-center/home>
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