Every Child a Super Reader - Part 1 - The Power to Create Super Readers

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

Every Child a Super Reader provides a structured reading-and-discussion guide for developing “super readers” in classrooms. Part 1 focuses on creating every-child success through a 7 Strengths model, beginning with how reading opens possibilities and an overview of key super-reader characteristics. The guide prompts reflection on student surveys, identity and representation in books, and discussion planning across strengths 1–6, including belonging, curiosity, friendship, kindness, confidence, and courage, with activities, questions, and family support considerations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Part 1: The Power to Create Super Readers: The 7 Strengths Model

Chapter 1 – How Reading Opens a World of Possible for Every Child

Chapter 2 – The 7 Strengths Model: A New Way to Ensure Every Child’s Success

Chapter 3 – Strength 1: Belonging

Chapter 4 – Strength 2: Curiosity

Chapter 5 – Strength 3: Friendship

Chapter 6 – Strength 4: Kindness

Chapter 7 – Strength 5: Confidence

Chapter 8 – Strength 6: Courage

Every Child a Super Reader A Guide for Reading, Thinking and Discussion Part 1: The Power to Create Super Readers: The 7 Strengths Model Chapter 1 – How Reading Opens a World of Possible for Every Child • Pam Allyn and Dr. Ernest Morrell present a description of a super reader that differs somewhat from the definition typically associated with a good reader. What do you understand to be the characteristics of a super reader? What are some of the benefits of being a super reader? • Make a list of words and phrases that describe a super reader. Think of a student you know or have taught who exemplifies the definition of “super reader.” • Why are the authors’ thoughts about super readers particularly relevant and important in today’s world? • Choose one of the 10 Principles of Super Readers and share the reasons you feel this particular principle is important. What personal experiences and stories do you have related to this statement? How have you supported this principle in your classroom? • View a video of Pam and Ernest discussing the definition of “super reader,” at [scholastic.com/superreadersresources](scholastic.com/superreadersresources). Chapter 2 – The 7 Strengths Model: A New Way to Ensure Every Child’s Success • The authors suggest that giving a short survey focused on the 7 Strengths offers students the opportunity to reflect on their learning styles, personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Pam and Ernest believe that completing the survey and reflecting on the answers leads to purposeful conversations about reading. The 7 Strengths Student Survey can be found in Chapter 13, beginning on page 172 . What are your thoughts about how to use the information from this activity? • It is important for children to see themselves and their cultures depicted on the pages of books. Literacy experts often refer to this experience with literature by equating stories with windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors. Do you have personal experiences with this concept? Can you think of a favorite picture book that illustrates your connection to this idea? Learn more by viewing a TED talk by Grace Lin, children’s book author, available on YouTube. • View two videos of Pam and Ernest discussing the 7 Strengths Model at [scholastic.com/superreaderresources](scholastic.com/superreaderresources). • Pam and Ernest believe strongly that parent involvement in and support for their child’s reading life is critical to literacy success. Review the first Family Guide in the book on pages 37 through 40. • View videos about each of the 7 Strengths at [scholastic.com/superreadersresources](scholastic.com/superreadersresources). Chapter 3 – Strength 1: Belonging • “The 7 Strengths are the habits and feelings that educators and parents must nurture in children to provide them with the foundation they need to become super readers.”How does the sense of “belonging” influence learning to read? • What are some ideas that you have for personalizing your classroom library? Make a list of tasks that lead to this goal. What are your thoughts about designing an environment that supports belonging? Chapter 4 – Strength 2: Curiosity • What is the connection between curiosity and questioning in a classroom setting? • What do you believe to be the relationship between literature and wondering? There are prompts listed in the middle of page 59 to encourage engagement and curiosity around text. What statements can you add to this list? • Why is it important to identify the points of view of others and how they are alike and different from your own? Chapter 5 – Strength 3: Friendship • What can you do to promote friendship in school and in out-of-school programs? What do literacy and friendship have in common? • Read the close reading lesson for Those Shoes. What ideas can you add to this lesson? Chapter 6 – Strength 4: Kindness • Read Marisol’s story. Talk with colleagues about what each you can do to model kindness a

FAQs

What definition of a “super reader” do the authors emphasize in Chapter 1?

The guide notes that the authors present a description of a super reader that differs somewhat from the typical definition of a good reader, and it prompts readers to identify the characteristics and benefits of being a super reader.

How does the 7 Strengths Student Survey support purposeful reading conversations?

The guide explains that a short survey focused on the 7 Strengths allows students to reflect on learning styles, personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, and that completing it leads to purposeful conversations about reading.

Why do the chapters focus on belonging, curiosity, and other strengths in early literacy instruction?

Each strength is tied to learning and classroom practice: belonging influences how students learn to read, curiosity supports questioning and engagement with text, and subsequent strengths guide concrete ways to build supportive literacy communities through friendship, kindness, confidence, and courage.

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys