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Keeping a classroom library is a rewarding way for a history teacher to contribute to the reading culture of a school. The classroom library may contain a variety of reading, including books written by historians, magazines, graphic novels and historical fiction.
In particular, I enjoy challenging a group of students to read at least one historical novel over a period of four or five weeks. The purpose of the initiative is to improve students’ literacy skills and enhance their passion for history by immersing them in the magic of stories inspired by the past. Each student is free to choose an historical novel from the bookcase at the back of my classroom. Alternatively, students are free to bring their own. We agree a schedule of class time for Drop Everything and Read (DEAR). If a few or more of the group request, I may facilitate access to the classroom at break times. I also participate! Currently, my second year history class have accepted the challenge and I am reading Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I give each student a homemade bookmark. I think they appreciate the effort! While they read, I play classical music in order to create a relaxing atmosphere. The music of Mozart seems to be the most effective. After we read, we informally chat about the books and discuss their historical themes. You may find that the students will recommend books to be added to the classroom library. The experience is thoroughly enjoyable for all! The historical novels in my classroom have been sourced via second hand bookshops, Amazon and by donation. My school kindly provided some money towards the cost. Is this an initiative you would like to replicate? If so, here is some advice. Ensure you have a sufficient number of books. Readers like choice and some will read more than one book over the four or five weeks. Select your books so you can employ the strategy with different year groups. I have broken my selection of historical novels into three categories of reading age: first year (12-13 years); junior (14-16 years); and senior (17-18 years). Keep it interesting by selecting books that cover a wide variety of historical themes. Outside of a reading challenge, allow students to borrow books from your classroom library at any time. Have a recording system and ensure your books are marked with a label or stamp. Some Recommended Historical Novels First Year Spies by Brian Gallagher Kings of the Boyne by Nicola Pierce Dread Nation by Justina Ireland Once by Morris Gleitzman Junior The Dollmaker of Krakow by R.M. Romero Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian Clash of Empires by Ben Kane The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Senior All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter The Choice by Edith Eger Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
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History Matters 365 BlogA history teacher's survival guide.
AuthorChristian O' Connor, history teacher, St. Mary's Secondary School, Mallow, Co. Cork. Categories
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