It's the Climb - The Many Possibilities of Incorporating Reading Ladders in the Classroom

I think the teacher who creates and employs ladders must be the most loving and hands on teacher. I really love this concept, and the fact that the author provides some samples for the lesser read. I would love even MORE examples with more contemporary texts. I am excited by the possibility of using ladders to connect students to new genres, narration styles, and to help them build confidence.

My ears really perked up when Lesesne started talking about short stories in chapter 6 because I was already thinking about how to use this idea to apply to a short stories unit we do in 6th grade. It has been my project to update this unit for next year - I purchased class sets of Flying Lessons and Other Stories to add some more contemporary voices to an existing short stories unit, and ladders might be the exact way to work them in. Maybe we can get more buy in for an awesome but higher level story like The Lottery if the kids get there via ladder.

Having students create ladders is also an idea I plan to use. I always appreciate letting kids see behind the curtain and take part. It gives so much more ownership. In our Zoom meeting, some of my classmates shared some ideas they had that are similar, like making a mood board for a book or making a “blind date” with a book concealing the book’s identity. I am buzzing with the possibilities to bring a more meaningful and active reading life into the classroom that moves beyond the assigned texts and provides space and guidance for students to fall in love with the books they read. 

I have one small criticism of the reading - It seems like Lesesne is working from a slight deficit lens when talking about boy readers. It stood out out to me a few times when they said things like “even male readers will appreciate…” (56) - In my experience, boys are no less readers than girls and I think it’s important to notice when we view them and their reading tastes as “less” than what girl students might engage in. 

I have not always had the most robust classroom library. I have often depended on our media specialists and media center (both amazing) to take the lead in the independent reading of students. However, making this aspect of the LA curriculum a more intentional part of the classroom experience is something I definitely want to do. All in all, I am looking forward to trying out book ladders, keeping in mind the goal: “The intent is to move readers from their comfort zone to books that represent more diversity” (48). I like how they lend themselves so well to differentiation. I feel hopeful that I could make an impact for some reluctant readers as well as take avid readers to new heights with this model.