Reading Wellness

Book excerpt: With so many state standards and demands of accountability, it can be a challenge for teachers to teach in ways that create energy and enthusiasm for reading. In their book, Reading Wellness: Lessons in Independence and Proficiency , authors Dr. Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris want to reignite the passion in teachers and drive them to instill confidence, curiosity, and joy in students.Burkins and Yates define reading wellness to include all aspects of readership so we can be our best reading selves-. The book is built around a framework of four intentions: alignment, balance, sustainability, and joy. It includes a series of field-tested lessons that help children read closely and carefully while still honoring their interests, passions, and agency as readers.Reading Wellness encourages each teacher to shape these ideas in ways that support personal ideals and goals while nurturing a love of reading and a passion for lifelong learning.