The Reading Interest Survey comes from the textbook Sometimes Reading is Hard by Robin Bright. This textbook is available through Canada Commons. The Survey can be found on page 155 and can be adapted for any grade level. The purpose of the survey is to find out what interests YOUR students to keep them MOTIVATED and ENGAGED in reading!
GET TO KNOW ME BY MY READING INTEREST SURVEY:
I really enjoy reading because it allows me to experience lifestyles different then my own. I am a binge reader, once I start a book I want to keep reading until the end. When I was younger I would stay up way past my bedtime because I just had to know how the story ended.
I like to read fiction books. My favorite genres to read are fantasy and mystery books. I enjoy books that have a bit of magic.
I like to play soccer, go on hikes, swim in Mineral Lake in the Summer and do archery.
Drop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle by Emily Kate Moon. I used this book to teach a science lesson and I noticed it really engaged some of the students who may not normally follow along in the lesson!
During the winter holiday I went snowshoeing with my partner and I read the Harry Potter series for the first time.
My absolute favorite topic to learn about is Canadian history. I find it truly fascinating to learn about all the inspiring people who shaped the modern world.
I would love to read a book about sirens.
How To Use The Reading Survey in Your Classroom:
Adaptions: The survey I answered involved lots of writing. Students in younger grades would struggle to complete the survey using full sentences. Instead have the students draw their answers. You could also discuss what books the student has read and print out photos of the books. Then students could cut and paste the pictures into their survey to show you books they have previously enjoyed.
Benefits: Completing this survey at the beginning of the year is an excellent way to get to know your students. Once you have an idea about the types of books a student enjoys you can help your students to find more books they will love. This will encourage more reading from your students.
Extensions: Once the students have completed their survey you could have them share with the rest of the class. This would help your students to find kids with similar interests to their own.
Curriculum Links: This is a sample of how I would link this activity to the BC Curriculum for grade 4. This activity allows you to get to know your students, but it also helps your students to get to know their own reading style.
Core Competency: “Positive Personal and Cultural Identity”
Profile 3: “I can identify my individual characteristics and explain what interests me. “
Big Ideas: “Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy.” This activity focuses on helping students identify the stories that they enjoyed and the genres that give them the most joy to read.
Curricular Competencies: “Use personal experience and knowledge to connect to text and deepen understanding of self, community, and world”
Content: “metacognitive strategies” Students reflect on past activities and reading that they have enjoyed.