Joyful Reading

Differentiation and Enrichment for Successful Literacy Learning

Joyful Reading offers teachers a differentiated instructional approach for motivating students at varied levels to discover the rewards and delights of reading appropriately challenging books. Authored by Sally M. Reis, an acclaimed scholar of gifted and talented education, the book describes the Schoolwide Enrichment Model for Reading (SEM-R), an easy-to-implement program that encourages students to read independently for a period of time during the school day on books of their own choice while supporting them in learning comprehension strategies. The program includes three phases: (1) a Book Hook component in which the teacher reads aloud from a high-interest book while engaging the class in critical thinking responses; (2) a Supported Independent Reading component in which students are encouraged to select and read progressively challenging books while the teacher offers instruction through individualized confer-ences; and (3) a Special Interest component in which students engage in reading-enrichment activities.

The SEM-R program has been shown by research to improve students' fluency and comprehension as well as their attitudes toward reading and is praised by teachers for getting students excited about books. The book includes a DVD showing teachers using the program. A companion book, The Joyful Reading Resource Kit (978-0-470-39188-4), is also available.

Praise for Joyful Reading

"This book is a must-read for all classroom teachers who are faced with meeting the literacy needs of a diverse population; it provides powerful insights into the development of thoughtful and self-regulated readers."
--Nicole Gavin, director of literacy, City of Baltimore, Maryland

"Using SEM-R helped our school move from Continuous Improvement to Excellent and helped earn a City Schools Excellence with Distinction Award! Thanks for your part in attaining that designation with SEM-R!"
--Judy Hedge, reading specialist, Dublin Public Schools, Ohio

"For teachers searching for ways to actively engage students in reading while fostering a love for literature, this book offers a literary journey that will lead to success!"
--Christy Caroon, educator, Fred A. Anderson Elementary School, Bayboro, North Carolina

Sally M. Reis, Ph.D., is professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut where she also serves as principal investigator for the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented. Widely published, Reis conducts workshops and provides professional development to schools and districts both nationally and internationally. Her colleagues and coauthors are all professors in reading, educational psychology, and curriculum and instruction with extensive experience in SEM-R.