The "Reading Tub"
One of my fondest memories of my First Grade Classroom was reading in the bathtub! You heard me right, the bathtub. You see, I had a very creative, right-brain thinker for a first grade teacher. Her name was Mrs.Long and she was a master at motivating kids to learn without them even knowing it. She had the brilliant idea to haul an old clawfooted bathtub into her classroom. She threw about 10 bright covered pillows into it and surrounded the "reading tub" with bookshelves stuffed with all kinds of reading delights. This wise teacher knew that her "reading tub" was special enough that not just anyone could climb in there and read. No, the tub time had to be earned with deeds such as good behavior, work completion and extra credit. It could only be entered with a "ticket"..... Imagine that, kids actually trying to earn reading time! Reading became a treat when combined with a fun and imaginative environment.
Kids can make their own, special reading oasis. The sky's the limit. You can turn an old refrigerator box into a time capsule, a spaceship or a reading submarine. If you don't have an old bathtub lying around how about turning an old dresser into a reading boat (you'll have to gut out the center and do a little modifying) or convert a walk-in closet into a space library? Have fun and get the whole family involved.......reading will never be the same.
By Jennie von Eggers |
