Nurturing Young Readers: An Interview with Nicole Nodland, First Grade Teacher at Northridge Elementary School

At Northridge Elementary School, first-grade teacher Nicole Nodland is on a mission to instill a love of reading in her students. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss her approach to selecting children's literature, teaching reading skills, and the changing landscape of literature for young readers. When it comes to curating a classroom library, Nodland believes in a balanced selection of fiction and nonfiction. "Readability and interest level are key," she explains. This ensures that students find books that they not only can read but also want to read. She also emphasizes the importance of patterns in text—like focusing on specific sounds, such as the short A. "Having great illustrations is crucial; they really pull the kids in," she adds.

Nodland utilizes a variety of children's literature, including poetry and decodable texts, to teach essential reading skills such as phonics and fluency. "If we're teaching a diagraph like CK, I'll use books filled with CK words to provide exposure," she notes. Her instructional strategy follows a "I do, we do, you do" model, where she first models reading, then reads together with the class, before allowing students to read independently. This scaffolding builds confidence, which is critical for young learners. One of Nodland's strengths is her ability to engage students through their interests. "We have a book room filled with thousands of titles, so I can easily find books on turtles or rocks," she shares. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive learning environment. "Building self-confidence is essential. Students need to know that you care about them."

In recent years, Nodland has noticed a positive shift in children's literature, particularly in representation. "There are more diverse characters and stories that reflect different cultures," she explains. This inclusivity offers valuable lessons in acceptance and understanding. To promote reading at home, Nodland encourages parents to share stories with their children at bedtime and expresses the value of reading together. "We even have a pizza incentive program in our school that rewards kids for reading at home," she adds.

Nodland recognizes some common misconceptions among parents regarding children's reading ability. "Many parents think that all first graders should be reading at the same level, which isn't true," she explains. Understanding that each child develops at their own pace can alleviate unnecessary pressure. Among her students, Nodland finds that certain authors resonate more than others. Mo Willems, Barbara Park, and Dr. Seuss are shining stars in her classroom, as students enjoy both the humor and heart of these stories. "Jan Brett's illustrations are also a favorite, even if her texts are a bit challenging for them," she adds.

Through structured discussions and "picture walks," Nodland helps students connect the literature to their lives, fostering critical thinking. "We ask questions about their thoughts and feelings related to the story, which often leads to deeper conversations," she explains. As digital media continues to permeate children’s lives, Nodland remains committed to traditional reading. "I prefer giving them physical books. Screen time should be limited, and reading should feel like an exciting adventure, not a chore," she advises.

One of the biggest challenges she faces as a teacher is funding for new books. "I often rely on thrift stores to supplement my library," she admits. Additionally, storage space is a constant concern. For parents who struggle with their own reading habits, Nodland has valuable advice: "Start reading to your children before they're even born. Model a love for books, and make reading a calm, enjoyable activity." 

Through her dedication, innovative teaching strategies, and deep understanding of children's literature, Nicole Nodland is not only nurturing early readers but also fostering a lifelong love for reading among her students at Northridge Elementary School.