As a special education teacher and an avid reader, books have always been an important part of my life. One of my favorite ways to connect with my students is through books. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right book at the right time can change a student’s perspective on learning, spark a love of reading, and even help them better understand themselves and the world around them. That’s why creating thoughtful and engaging reading lists is such an essential part of my teaching practice.
One tool that has been incredibly useful in this process is GoodReads. What started as a platform for readers to review and recommend books has become a valuable resource for educators like me. By using GoodReads, I can organize my reading lists, discover new titles, and connect with other teachers for fresh ideas. Whether you teach special education like I do or work in a general education classroom, using GoodReads to create reading lists can make a real difference in your students’ learning experience.
Why Reading Lists Matter
Reading lists are more than just assignments; they are opportunities to open doors for students. A well-crafted reading list can do so much more than build literacy skills. It can inspire students to think critically, explore new ideas, and develop empathy for characters who are different from themselves. For students in special education, the right reading list can also help with social-emotional development, offer relatable characters, and provide structure for improving comprehension skills.
However, it’s important to remember that not all students will connect with the same books. That’s why creating a diverse and inclusive reading list is key. Every student should be able to see themselves in the stories they read, and they should also have the chance to explore perspectives that are new to them. GoodReads helps me achieve this by allowing me to browse through countless book recommendations, filter by genre or reading level, and read reviews from other teachers.
Getting Started with GoodReads
If you’re new to GoodReads, setting up an account is easy and free. Once you’re logged in, you can create shelves to organize books into different categories. For example, I have shelves for different grade levels, reading difficulties, and themes like empathy, adventure, or overcoming challenges. This helps me quickly find the right book when I’m planning lessons or personalizing recommendations for individual students.
GoodReads also allows you to track your reading progress and write reviews, which can be helpful for keeping notes on books you’ve read. This feature is especially useful when you want to share a book with colleagues or recommend titles to students and parents. You can also join discussion groups with other teachers to get ideas for new books or ways to integrate literature into your curriculum.
Building Reading Lists That Inspire
Now, let’s get into the heart of the matter: how do you create reading lists that truly inspire students? Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful when building my lists on GoodReads.
1. Consider Your Students’ Interests
The best way to engage students in reading is to start with what interests them. Whether it’s fantasy, sports, mysteries, or stories about animals, finding books that tap into their natural curiosities will make them more likely to dive in and enjoy reading. GoodReads allows you to search for books by genre, which makes it easy to find titles that align with your students’ interests.
In my classroom, I’ve seen students who previously struggled with reading suddenly become excited when they find a book that speaks to their passion. For example, one of my students loved superheroes, so I recommended graphic novels with superhero themes. That small adjustment made a huge difference in his motivation to read.
2. Offer a Range of Reading Levels
In any classroom, there will be students with varying reading abilities. This is especially true in special education, where some students may need high-interest, low-level books while others are ready for more complex texts. Creating a reading list that offers a range of levels ensures that every student can find a book they feel confident reading.
GoodReads makes it easy to filter books by reading level, whether you’re looking for early readers, chapter books, or more advanced texts. I often include a mix of picture books, short stories, and novels on my reading lists to accommodate different abilities and keep students engaged.
3. Incorporate Diverse Voices and Perspectives
It’s important that students have access to books that reflect both their own experiences and the experiences of others. Including books by diverse authors and featuring characters from various backgrounds helps students broaden their understanding of the world. In a classroom setting, these books can also spark important conversations about identity, culture, and empathy.
GoodReads is a fantastic resource for discovering diverse books. You can explore curated lists like “Best Diverse Middle Grade Books” or search for books by authors from different cultures. I’ve found many amazing titles this way, from picture books that celebrate neurodiversity to young adult novels that address social justice issues.
4. Focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Books are a great way to introduce social-emotional learning concepts, especially in special education classrooms. Many students struggle with understanding their own emotions or building relationships with others, and literature can provide relatable scenarios for them to explore. Whether it’s a story about friendship, perseverance, or managing frustration, books can help students develop empathy and coping strategies.
On GoodReads, I often search for books with SEL themes and create shelves dedicated to topics like “Emotions” or “Friendship.” These books are perfect for class read-alouds or individual assignments, and they often lead to meaningful discussions with students.
5. Collaborate with Colleagues
One of the best things about GoodReads is the sense of community it fosters among readers. As teachers, we can benefit greatly from sharing ideas with one another. On GoodReads, I follow other educators, join discussion groups, and participate in book challenges that help me stay inspired and learn about new titles.
Collaborating with colleagues on reading lists can also help ensure that the books you choose align with your school’s curriculum or reinforce themes being taught in other subjects. For example, if your students are learning about the Civil Rights Movement in history class, you can create a reading list of related fiction and nonfiction books that provide additional context.
Final Thoughts
GoodReads has become an invaluable tool in my teaching toolkit. By using it to create thoughtful, engaging, and diverse reading lists, I can better connect with my students and help them discover the joy of reading. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, I encourage you to explore GoodReads and see how it can enhance your classroom and inspire your students to become lifelong readers.