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 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
she | her | hers    What is this? 
@MsThomBookitis
Bristow Middle School Teacher Librarian
West Hartford Public Schools
Bristow Library Learning Commons Webpage: http://bit.ly/BristowLibrary
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Currently Reading:  
Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler
Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys and Andrew Weiner
Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen by James Robinson
At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerreo Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom by Erin Entrada Kelly
Currently Listening:
Sibylline by Melissa De La Cruz
Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser
Recently Finished:      
Tig by Heather Smith
Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproduction Rights by Karen Blumenthal
Helga the Fair by S.J. Taylor
James by Percival Everett
🔥The Well-Lived Life: A 103-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Heath and Happiness at Every Age by Gladys McGarey, MD (HIGHLY recommended!)🔥
SOOOO Many More....

Book Blog (now retired)
http://www.msthomsbookitis.weebly.com  


On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 2:38 PM Whiting, Jacquelyn via CASL-L <casl-l@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 Have A Little Fun 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
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