“Before making any decision or attempting to bring about any change, great principals ask themselves one central question: What will my best teachers think of this?”
Todd Whitaker asks that question on p. 87 in What Great Principals Do Differently: 18 Things That Matter Most (2012). As I reflect on the literacy moves made during the 2023-2024 school year, I think of the times great teachers have been involved in the decision-making process.
The times great teachers have shared ideas.
The times great teachers have had a voice and choice.
Great principals Do. Using that framework, I have included in this week’s blog three key themes to lead a literacy focused school: Be visible as a literacy leader, make reading and books accessible, and engage your greatest teachers (the rest will follow), all students, and your family and learning community.
What follows are practical, easy-to-implement practices for principals to make literacy come alive in your building.
Visibility
Read Aloud in Classrooms. Create a standing appointment (ours was grades K-3) to read aloud to students each month. Calendar it. Prioritize it.
In December, Marshmallow joined me (see picture below!).
Get Caught with a Book. Students will ask what you’re reading. Engage them. Interest them. Share with them. Kids love getting caught by the principal doing great things!
Make Your Walls Talk. What story do your hallway walls tell about literacy? Have teachers post their current reads outside their classroom. Have teachers’ yearbook photos taken with them holding their current favorite read. Hang in the hallways.
Little Free Library designed by a parent.
Accessibility
Little Free Library. We have one in the school and one outside. This also engages the community.
Free Book Giveaways. Collect book donations and offer them to students and families. Provide book swap times.
Library Open Hours. Ensure optimal times for students to use your school library. Want to include the community? Reach out to your public library and inquire about Bookmobiles or access to library cards for students.
Marshmallow was ready for the eclipse!
Engagement
Offer Events. Make it work for your school.
Daily: Catch a Kid With a Book. Celebrate one-on-one and through school announcements, social media, and/or information home.
Weekly: Hold a drawing for kids caught with a book. Give them a book when their name is drawn.
Monthly or Quarterly: We hosted Roll Into Reading (cinnamon rolls and a book swap during breakfast), Hot Cocoa during the holidays (with a visit from the Grinch, again during breakfast), and a Chili Cook-off with a book swap/giveaway of donated books.
Invite Guest Readers.
Local: Our list includes the attorney for the school district, a newscaster, Foster Grandparents, construction workers, and government officials.
State: the Poet Laureate for your state or other local or state authors.
National: Use Zoom. Sheetal Sheth joined us in grades K-3 (we gave away her books!). We joined Ludacris online (for free!). Bookelicious offers webinars and book clubs. Kate Messner put together a fantastic lineup this year for Read Across America.
Tap Into Local Resources. Don’t let it stop with summer approaching. Find out what your local groups offer and provide opportunities and access for your school community.
While these ideas are not new, they are practical, easy, and have proven success in a school.
Happy Reading!
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