40 Book Challenge FAQ
What is The 40 Book Challenge?
Inspired by the model presented in The Book Whisperer, our version, adapted for our grade level, challenges students to read 40 books by the end of the school year. Students will be asked to read within a variety of genres (which we learn about together), record and rate books once they are finished with them, and respond to their reading in their Reader’s Notebook throughout the year. Students will conference with me to check in on their progress, current books, new learning, and for authentic discussion. Students’ choices are entirely independent, but can be influenced through recommendations from teachers, parents, and friends! The best part of this is that a reader of any level can participate in this challenge by selecting books that best fit their needs and interests. Please see all attachments for information on genres, reading records, and expectations.
What can my child read?
Anything. Well, anything in book form. Students will be reading books from several genres (see the 40 Book Genre Requirement page attached). These can be a mix of picture and chapter books. It is very important that your child practice self-selecting books, checking for readability and interest, not just seeking out books at their Lexile (reading) level. Feel free to make suggestions to your child of your childhood favorites or books and topics you think may interest him/her!
What if my child doesn’t read 40 books by the end of the school year?
We will celebrate the success that s/he had in the number of books that were read! The nature of the challenge lends itself to seeing successes that may not have been had without it. Your child might not make it to 40, but s/he may read more books than s/he or you ever imagined. It’s a wonderful thing to accept a challenge and make an effort to see it through as far as one can go!
Can I read with my child?
Always. However, this is an independent reading challenge, so students should spend the majority of their time reading a book new to them, and as independently as possible. For example, a picture book may be read aloud to your child, and then s/he may then read it again on his/her own. Reading a book more than once is great for comprehension and fluency skills. Your child can also read out loud to you, or you can take turns reading to each other. The goal is for my students to read more, and that includes all reading experiences!
Do I need to help my child record the books s/he read?
No. Your child will be keeping his/her Reader’s Notebook at school, which includes all reading records. The attachments are just samples to show what they will be logging each time a book is finished. If a book is finished at home, feel free to send it to school the next day so that your child can record it. The genre definitions are included, as well, to help you and your child while selecting books.
Oh…and one more thing. Your child is not the only one who has accepted The 40 Book Challenge. I have, too! I will be reading and recording books in my own Reader’s Notebook, focusing on children’s and intermediate level books, so that I will be able to read and recommend books to my students!
Any other questions? Please call or email me, and I will be happy to answer them or clarify anything in this challenge, and share further ideas and resources with you if needed! We are all very excited to see how many books we can read. Thank you for your support!
Happy Reading! Mrs. G
Inspired by the model presented in The Book Whisperer, our version, adapted for our grade level, challenges students to read 40 books by the end of the school year. Students will be asked to read within a variety of genres (which we learn about together), record and rate books once they are finished with them, and respond to their reading in their Reader’s Notebook throughout the year. Students will conference with me to check in on their progress, current books, new learning, and for authentic discussion. Students’ choices are entirely independent, but can be influenced through recommendations from teachers, parents, and friends! The best part of this is that a reader of any level can participate in this challenge by selecting books that best fit their needs and interests. Please see all attachments for information on genres, reading records, and expectations.
What can my child read?
Anything. Well, anything in book form. Students will be reading books from several genres (see the 40 Book Genre Requirement page attached). These can be a mix of picture and chapter books. It is very important that your child practice self-selecting books, checking for readability and interest, not just seeking out books at their Lexile (reading) level. Feel free to make suggestions to your child of your childhood favorites or books and topics you think may interest him/her!
What if my child doesn’t read 40 books by the end of the school year?
We will celebrate the success that s/he had in the number of books that were read! The nature of the challenge lends itself to seeing successes that may not have been had without it. Your child might not make it to 40, but s/he may read more books than s/he or you ever imagined. It’s a wonderful thing to accept a challenge and make an effort to see it through as far as one can go!
Can I read with my child?
Always. However, this is an independent reading challenge, so students should spend the majority of their time reading a book new to them, and as independently as possible. For example, a picture book may be read aloud to your child, and then s/he may then read it again on his/her own. Reading a book more than once is great for comprehension and fluency skills. Your child can also read out loud to you, or you can take turns reading to each other. The goal is for my students to read more, and that includes all reading experiences!
Do I need to help my child record the books s/he read?
No. Your child will be keeping his/her Reader’s Notebook at school, which includes all reading records. The attachments are just samples to show what they will be logging each time a book is finished. If a book is finished at home, feel free to send it to school the next day so that your child can record it. The genre definitions are included, as well, to help you and your child while selecting books.
Oh…and one more thing. Your child is not the only one who has accepted The 40 Book Challenge. I have, too! I will be reading and recording books in my own Reader’s Notebook, focusing on children’s and intermediate level books, so that I will be able to read and recommend books to my students!
Any other questions? Please call or email me, and I will be happy to answer them or clarify anything in this challenge, and share further ideas and resources with you if needed! We are all very excited to see how many books we can read. Thank you for your support!
Happy Reading! Mrs. G