Because I Read What My Students Read

Today I was still feeling the joy from what I got to share with my students yesterday. I shared in the anger at an ending, sadness at a character dying, shock at a surprise twist, and swooning over a guy - all in the books that my students are reading. I realized this morning, when they cheered at breakfast when they heard we'd be reading for a large amount of time in class today, that I have built the community I have because I read the same books my students read. That thought sat in my head all day...and resulted in this poem tonight.

Because I Read What My Students Read

Because I read what my students read
I can do my job better
I can recommend books
to specific students
meeting their interests
growing readers

Because I read what my students read
there are days
when students can't get into my room fast enough
to tell me about what they read the night before
and share in the emotion
from that part of that story

Because I read what my students read
I can hook readers
with hints at what lies
inside the pages of that book
they've taken off the shelf
considering
but unsure
if it's the book for them

Because I read what my students read
I can match students
to books just right for them
based on what they need
in their lives at that time
or what kind of mood
they're in
or what topic
they want to read about
or how ready they are
for a certain topic

Because I read what my students read
I can share excitement
over a favorite story
I can share the frustration
over a cliffhanger

ending
I can share in the reactions
to the moments contained
within those pages
expanding their minds
I can share in the swooning
over certain characters
I can share in the desire
to have that character be real
and a friend
I can share in the tears
when something happens
in their lives
and in their books

Because I read what my students read
I know how they're feeling
with just a look
just a word
just a glance at a page
just a peek at a title
knowing what they're experiencing
because I have
too

Because I read what my students read
I don't have to have read the exact book
to relate to being a reader
of middle grades or young adult
I can empathize
and understand
what that reading
experience
must be like

But because I read what my students read
when I have read that specific book
and lived within that story
it creates an even more powerful
connection
rapport
of being a reader
and making recommendations
earning trust
to know what they might need

And because I read what my students read
when something happens in their lives
whether big or small
whether happy or sad
whether right or wrong
I turn to books
to let them know I care
to help them see how to cope
to let them know I am there
for them
to help them see another path
and I turn to the stories
on those pages
to help my students get through
their struggles
and celebrate
their successes

Because I read what my students read
I am a reader
teaching and growing
more readers