READING IS EVERYTHING!! Reading gives us something to talk about, it’s an escape, it allows the imagination to run
wild……..it educates.
Reading introduces diversity, poses questions, gives answers, creates
fairy tales, paints happy and sad endings, it teaches truth, and honesty.
I don’t necessarily think of myself as a good
reader but I thoroughly enjoy it. I’m definitely a skim reader no
matter the form of text. I am one of those readers that can’t read
every sentence line after line, word for word because I get too anxious to see
what is going to happen next. I like to read online texts such as
blogs and I enjoy reading magazines and the daily newspaper. I usually gravitate
towards non fictional books. My most favorite non fictional book is Night by
Elie Wiesle. I had to read this book my freshmen year of college and I fell in
love with it. I love it so much that I just finished reading it
for the 8th time!! Elie’s story of his experience
during World War II and the Holocaust is painstakingly real and sheds light on
the importance of standing up for your beliefs. Non fictional books are what keep me motivated to continue to read. There is so much to learn about history as well as current events. I think it is important as citizens to stay educated on the world around us.
During my junior year of high school my English
class had to read the books Frankenstein, Count of Monte Cristo, and Life of
Pi. There were activities and tests that went along with each
book. At that time I felt like these books did not spark my interest
in any way, shape or form. I found myself reading the books and doing
the assignments without really processing what I was reading because I had no
interest. I feel that a lot of the reason I hated these books is
because I wasn't given a proper introduction to them. It was up
to us to figure out what the books were about and in my opinion; all three of
these books are really hard to understand even when you are reading them with
the right intentions!
I am most definitely going to incorporate reading
into my classes. I plan on using an opening day questionnaire on the
first day of class to help me gain an understanding of the general interests of
the classroom. I will then base my book choices off of that. I
will present a few options and let my students vote as a class which book they
would like to read. I strongly believe that reading helps with self
confidence. I will attach reflection journals to readings so
students can reflect on their progression as a reader. These
journals will also show them how much they have learned while reading their
assigned book. There is so much to learn! Our world and our imaginations are waiting for us to explore them! I want my students to look at reading the way I do and be as passionate about reading as I am!
