by Jack Humphrey

      Reading in middle grades schools faces two monumental challenges. The first hurdle is the current scarcity of reading classes. The solution to that problem, though not simple, lies in restructuring the schedule. With creative planning, our administrators can find a way to add reading classes to their schools’ schedules by either reducing the time of class periods or displacing other subjects. The second challenge may actually be a bit less daunting.  In a struggling economy, funds for reading materials are scarce. As everyone knows, books are very expensive. But without them, how can our students practice their reading skills? So, how can the problem possibly be solved without spending money?

      One of the simplest solutions begins with putting on old clothes and digging. Yes, that’s right; start rummaging. When school closes, begin your search. Go through closets, filing cabinets, and storage rooms. Most likely you will find plenty of old reading materials that were once valuable in your school. Because of the elimination of reading classes in middle grades schools or the retirement of teachers, a treasure trove is most likely hidden away.  Granted, these materials may not have the appeal of shiny, new library books, but they contain critical, instructional information to be valued by the creative teacher who can dust them off and find a way to make them attractive to students during class time. Excellent middle grades reading materials have been around in schools for a long time.  For example, the Vocabulary Booster books by Kottmeyer and Clauswere, written in 1989, continue to be useful today.  Another example is the New Practice Readers by Anderson first printed in 1978.  These books and similar materials from many publishers provide articles with test exercises that provide practice in comprehension and vocabulary skills. Come next June, all you have to do is start your search.

      Why not have some fun with this investigation?  Ask all teachers to join in the search and bring any unused materials to the school library.  No doubt, everyone will be amazed at the vast amount of materials that were once important but now are surplus because they are not in the right hands.  The reading teachers can then decide where the materials can best be used.  Some sets may be incomplete or lack manuals, so some funds will be needed to complete the sets.  Anything not used by reading teachers or other members of the faculty can then be discarded. 

       Since money is in such short supply, every effort should be made to unearth the hidden reading treasures that are just gathering dust in forgotten corners of our schools.  Let’s bring them into the sunlight and into the hands of reading teachers.