I tend to think of myself as a "good reader". I've always loved to read and I don't really remember a time where there wasn't a book I was currently reading. When I was younger I was somewhat closed minded when it came to reading, I wanted to read novels and never non-fiction. As I've gotten older and expanded my horizons a little bit, I have a better idea of the books I enjoy the most, but I rarely shoot books down because of their genre.
I really love to just sit down with a good book and read all day. There is something about reading for hours on end that still seems very productive, even if it is just for pleasure. Lately I've been doing a lot of reading at the gym. Technology is amazing and my Kindle makes it very easy to read while I'm biking without worrying about dragging a huge book around.
I think I enjoy reading so much because it is an escape. I find that I read more when my life is stressful or something is upsetting me. It helps calm me and it sometimes even makes me think about how small my problems really are comparatively.
I want there to be a large library in my classroom for students to explore. I know that everyone can enjoy reading in some capacity, but we need to make sure that students have a variety of genres available to them. My books may be different from what they may find in the school library and since my discipline is English, reading outside of the classroom will be strongly encouraged. I try to avoid forcing kids to read aloud in my classroom though. My dad is dyslexic and struggled through school because he was always nervous to read aloud in case he got words mixed up, etc. I want my classroom to be a safe zone where students feel comfortable reading aloud if they would like, but they are not forced to do so.
I think we have the same philosophies on reading for enjoyment. I never really considered that other people don't enjoy reading as much as I do, but I'm coming to realize that many of my students will not enjoy reading and it will be a chore for them. I think it is great that you will provide your students a safe zone for reading.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Mikayla. I simply love reading, and it just makes me happy. There's nothing better than disappearing into a good book for a couple of hours, especially when you can escape the world's stresses and problems. I also like your want of a large library in your classroom. If you want kids to read, you need to have that opportunity for them. Most students aren't just going to go to the library and read. However, if you give them time to read every week, they will actually have to pick up a book and read it. Maybe they'll find that one book that will catch their interest and make them love reading.
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ReplyDeleteI agree I love reading I can sit down with a book and read all day long and not feel lazy or bad about what other things I should be doing. I would much rather read than watch TV and even though I love movies I cannot sit a watch them all day unless they are playing in the background while I am doing other things or I feel like I am wasting my time. I also agree the Kindle has made it amazingly easy to read. I use mine to work out or bring it with me to my appointments so that I can get my reading assignments done while waiting without having to carry several big books around with me. I stay up late into the night to read all the time.
ReplyDeleteI think Desirae's comment on the Kindle is really interesting, and it's evidence of how much "text" is changing. I love your idea of a classroom library, and I also wonder how you could incorporate digital texts or alternative texts. Like a book corner with a few books on tape, or with a few computers with recommended reading websites, or books on I-pads.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading the DaVinci Code via print, but I had an entirely different experience with reading it through a digital medium where I could click on the paintings mentioned in the book and read about their historical background. I think it would be great to try to simulate these kinds of multi-media experiences for students.
Thanks for an excellent posting! Your enthusiasm for reading is infectious and I'm sure will rub off on your students. :)
Like many other comments here, I am a huge fan of reading. In fact I am looking forward to this Christmas break to be able to do some much needed reading.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Mikayla that I want a huge classroom library so my students can have access to reading at any time. I think that just having it available to your students says a lot about you as a reader and a teacher.
I do think digital devices for reading have definitely changed what reading is. Much like what Amy mentioned, I saw this app for e-books that draws in their reader further by having audio effects and atmospheric music. To further personalize the reading experience, this app can track your reading speed so that it can time the sound effects perfectly.