As a child, my love from reading came from ironically being on punishment. I couldn't go outside to play or watch television - so to get back at my parents I would find a book, start reading and laugh really loud - to the point that they would come back in the room thinking that in some way I defied them by cutting on the TV - but I was reading.... Could they really take that away from me? I started reading at three (3) years old and books fascinate me - but it wasn't the same for my siblings.
In todays society, with all of the technology available picking up a book is unheard of (I still buy books that aren't available in e-format) and some kids just don't like to read at all. I've heard a million different excuses about why students don't like to read - and the main one is because its boring. So, I find things that interest my students - and the reading starts. Whether the article is on the internet, in a newspaper, on a blog or in a comic book, If its something that is of interest to them they will read. If they come across a word that they cant define -they will look it up so that they can have a better understanding and so that they can relay it properly to their friends.
Reading has changed. Getting students to read independently is an arduous task. So why not use every outlet that is available to get them to actually read something on their own. I've created mini-books from short stories and articles that I have found online and given them to students. It has encouraged them to actually to go to the library and find other works related to what they are interested in. I am for any type of reading. I promote literacy all year round by giving out Barnes & Nobles gift cards to students - so that they can take the opportunity to go into the bookstore or order something of interest from the store online. I
First let me say I would love to be in your class and get a barnes and noble gift card! :)
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you about reading and letting it be in any format. I think there are multiple paths to take and we can all reach the same destination. Sometimes many teachers get stuck in a rut and focus on how they learned or the ways that they are most comfortable with teaching, when the focus should be on the students and how to get them there.
Although I'm all for e-reading, I do feel like that reading physical books also have their advantages and offer skills that one may not always get from reading other formats. There is "no measurable substitute for the intellectual and personal development initiated and sustained by frequent reading" (Rich, 2008, para. 17). It does take much more stamina and focus when reading a book that can prove beneficial, especially with the focus on standardized testing.
Tikeshia,
ReplyDeleteYes, reading in any format should be the rule of the day. As far as "reading is boring" - you are on the right track to let students have choice in text selection. Allowing student choice is a good beginning to entice students to read something, anything (almost)so as to practice the skill.
I like your solution to the claim that students do not read because it is boring. Just find them something that they can relate to and all of the sudden they are engaged in the reading. As a math teacher I try a similar strategy. I use my students names in my word problems. They fill part of them and therefore invested in solving them. I think with all the changes that happen with technology and literacy, we must do everything in our power to keep the students engaged.
ReplyDeleteI agree that getting a youngster to pick up a book and read can be challenging sometimes. Maybe a good way to start is to provide them with books that have pictures, so that there is more visual stimulation. It helps also to show them that you enjoy reading, or maybe talk to them and share what you are reading about. They will get curious and maybe sit down with book on their own.
ReplyDeleteI really like your post and agree that reading is fundamental as long as it's leading. Meaning, we all could find topics that interest our students and they would love that! However, we teach in a society that we do not have time to stray away from our unit (Secondary Teachers). I mean as a social and math teacher I could break off from my lesson hand out an celebrity gossip article and we could talk, debate, and read for hours. Although, what did I accomplish? Maybe group work, team buliding, comradary, I don't know. What I do know is teaching in a urban school setting when you as the teacher go off task, the students will take advantage. When you do something nice, the students will always ask for it again and again. I like technology but I guess different then most our classmates....
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to be in your class! I think you have the right idea! Comic books is one my daughter's teachers always recommend. With the pictures and colors, they will help keep her attention and the pictures help her figure out the words!
ReplyDeleteI think that you must always consider the context. What age of student? What kind of exposure have they had? I think that the more you inspire them and share in the reading with those who are not eager to read, you can help move them along. It sounds like this discussion is getting at that consideration. Nice work.
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