In this blog post, we’ll explore a twist on introducing Free Reading through book “speed dating” with middle school students. Learn how to guide students through a process of book selection, assessment, and reflection, and help to cultivate essential reading habits while igniting a passion for literature. From building reading stamina to fostering autonomy in book selection, this method offers a dynamic way to nurture lifelong readers in the classroom.

I needed to get them re-reading the text - I just didn’t have time to keep creating new input! In a moment of inspiration, I created this re-reading race - I called it ¡Agarra el Número! It’s SO easy to play, low-prep, and has the bonus effect of reviewing numbers.

I needed to get them re-reading the text - I just didn’t have time to keep creating new input! In a moment of inspiration, I created this re-reading race - I called it ¡Agarra el Número! It’s SO easy to play, low-prep, and has the bonus effect of reviewing numbers.

I needed to get them re-reading the text - I just didn’t have time to keep creating new input! In a moment of inspiration, I created this re-reading race - I called it ¡Agarra el Número! It’s SO easy to play, low-prep, and has the bonus effect of reviewing numbers.

I could see it in their eyes. Confusion, boredom, and a slight hint of ‘when does this class end’. My heart beat a too-fast rhythm as I struggled to ask questions my students would understand about Thanksgiving foods and activities. How would I get through this?

What’s a FLIPPED Running Dictation?

Essentially, instead of putting clues or images around the room “scavenger-hunt style” for kids to dictate and translate, I put QUESTIONS about they text! They then had to search inside the text for the answers. Read more to see how I do it!