Reading Conferences

One of the very best parts of my day is when I have conferences with my readers during Reader's Workshop. I pull up next to them quietly, iPad in hand, and wait for them to notice I'm there. If they have a particularly good book, it will be a while for them to come out of the "reading zone" (as Nancie Atwell calls it). 
If they have a book that's not a match, they already know I'm there and they really need a conference.
During today's conferences, I had many great moments:
One student said to me she'd love to try writing humorous pieces because she'd been reading this book:

Then I realized something very obvious, but still important. Independent reading helps writers develop their writing style!

During another conference, a student decided to write her own version of  a poem she read in this book:

Realization: Reading inspires writing!

My conferences are very simple. I sit with a fellow reader, and we have a great conversation. (I try not to make it like a quiz!) During our conversation, we connect as readers, and I know immediately what my students will need next. It's on-the-go assessment!

These conversations have an impact on my class. But as you can see, they also have an impact on me.