43 – Activating Agency to Grow Readers (w Penny Kittle)

Why do so many teenagers hate reading? Renowned author and Literacy advocate Penny Kittle believes it has everything to do with a lack of “book love” and that teachers have the capacity to ignite it. On the episode, she connects with Natalie to discuss how to expose students to a wide variety of books, conference to unlock the reading life, and ultimately, grow student agency by allowing them to make decisions as readers (and writers). Show Notes: An interesting fact about Penny you might not find in her Heineman bio. (4:45) Why do so many teenagers hate reading? (7:50) How we can both teach the canon and allow choice simultaneously to provide a balance of perspectives in books. (12:40) Getting resourceful when your school doesn’t have a library. (16:15) Modelling being a reader and honoring the sacred nature of in-class reading time. (18:40) The threads to tug on when conferencing with a reader. (24:45) Saying less to listen with curiosity and learn more about the reading life. (29:10) Who is holding the power in a book? Who is holding power in schools? Whose story are we living in? (34:15) Getting out of our students’ way to ignite agency. (42:30) Building analytical skills through digital composition. (44:40) The purpose of education. (46:00) View full show notes here! Penny on Twitter: @pennykittle Email the Podcast: [email protected] Podcast on Twitter: @educrushpod Natalie on Twitter: @natabasso Podcast on Instagram: @educrushpod Podcast Website: www.educrushpod.com