Reading Calendars Update #1 - January

I started reading calendars this past month with my sixth graders.  I wanted them to set reading goals for themselves and make a plan to achieve those goals. (Here is my post explaining them.)

Students turned in their first reading calendar on Friday.  They set their goals, planned their reading, made changes, added a second goal, achieved, succeeded, didn't succeed, and reflected.  Students turned in calendars that were worked, reworked, erased, scratched out, circled on, highlighted, check marked, something filled in on every calendar date, while others were turned in very "clean." I had a few questions for them to respond to and reflect on their work as a reader in the month of January.

Examples of comments my students wrote on their reflection:

"I realized I actually really like historical fiction. (or science fiction, or fantasy)."
"Poetry is actually pretty fun to read."
"I realized I need to try harder."
"I realized I am lazy.  I could've achieved my goal, but I chose to be lazy."
"I found a new author I like."
"I found a new series I like."
"Another way I could have finished it (my book) was that I can take it with me where ever we go."
"Poetry is not that bad."
"I learned that I really can't stop reading if I start a J.K. Rowling book!"
"I feel disappointed for setting an easy goal and underestimating myself."
"I feel proud that I was able to put down my ipod long enough to read."
"I feel proud."
"I feel proud."
"I feel good about myself."

Overall, I think the reading calendars and goal setting were successful.  Students set new goals for themselves for February, and on Monday I will sit down with each table group and jot down each of their goals on a chart for myself.  This month my plan is to pull students together that have similar goals or goals that need some revision.  I'm looking forward to how February will go for us.  I wonder how much their goal setting for January and whether or not they achieved their goals will affect their reading for February.

In the past, I was always "loosey goosey" with my students when it came to setting reading goals.  I never found a "system" that seemed to work.  Reading calendars I think will be a permanent part of our Reading Workshop.  Creating my own calendar worked for me.

My goals for February are very specific.  I have several specific books I want to finish and read:
1) Book Love by Penny Kittle (so inspiring and thought provoking)
2) Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
3) Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson
4) Non-fiction (not sure which title yet, but most likely Bomb by Steve Sheinkin.)

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us by reading this post.  :) Happy reading to you all! (and goal setting!)