Affective Dimensions of Reading
Let's just get this straight right now, I love to read. It allows me a way to escape the world that I am in and go to another. I learn big words from reading. I like to read some of my favorite books over and over again, each time I can find or understand something that I did not see before, and my favorite parts always make my heart smile. I love to read. I might call myself a good reader, but only cause you ask.
Favorite books:
Crown Duel - Sherwood Smith - absolutely LOVE it.
Ella Enchanted - Gail Carson Levine - Favorite line... "Our hands knew each other. Char looked at me, startled. 'Have we met before, Lady?'"
Nicole - Jack Weyland - What kind of person would I be owning 30+ Weyland books and not having one on my favorites list?
When I was in elementary school I had a hard time when I was learning how to read. I had to go to a reading specialist in the school every week. Once I got the hang of it, I haven't stopped.
Matthew is always telling me that I have too many books. I don't think he understands.
The only time that I hate reading, is when I am assigned something to read. If I get to pick it, there is no problem but as soon as someone tells me that I have to, uh uh. Not going to happen.
Growing up, I often saw my father reading a variety of books. He always reads his scriptures, in English and Spanish. And he always reads books about surveying or engineer stuff. But he would also read a lot of other random books. And we always had a huge bookshelf filled with old classics.
When I have my own class, my students will have to read. I think if they are assigned a genre or a time period to read about, they should be able to choose a book. This should help them be more inclined to actually read it. Primary source documents are very important in social studies. When choosing primary source documents for my classes, I can try to find some that my students can find interesting or even related to.
Never seen me write so much? Don't get used to it.
First of all, I think your new goal in life is to convince your husband that the phrase "too many books" is nonsensical. Maybe "too many UNREAD books," but never "too many books."
ReplyDeleteI sort of know what you mean when you talk about being assigned something to read. The little voice of rebellion rings in my ears, too. I really like being in charge of what I read, and I think most students do, too.
I'm also glad you brought up primary source documents. Especially when I was in history classes in high school, the only time I really got into the material was when we read stuff like The Constitution, The Gettysburg Address, various presidential speeches. Reading stuff from a textbook made it hard for me to be excited about social studies.
I love the personality and voice behind your writing...so funny!
I know what you mean my friend. Reading is a great way to get out of this world and join a new one. I also love Ella Enchanted!! It is my favorite book. I always laugh out loud when they are Ella, Hattie, and Olive are being chased by the ogres in the carriage. It just refreshes my love for reading. I definitely need to take more time to just enjoy a good classic as well. Like you I have a ton of books. I don't think Gary realizes what he is gaining along with a wife, I'm pretty sure I have my own library hiding at my parents house. I love that you want to allow your students to choose what books they want to read. Guiding them so that they will read different genres is great, but letting them choose will help them in the long run and they will enjoy it so much more. History is such a great subject because there are so many books that include history events, but are easy and fun to read. Definitely one of my favorite genres is historical fiction. I have lots of those on my reading list.
ReplyDeleteYou are a fantastic writer and you are going to bring so much excitement to your students in the classroom. They will love it!! Keep it up!!
Oh...your last line made me laugh out loud. I think there is something in that last line that speaks to your feelings about writing.
ReplyDeleteSo, I think you raise a good point. People might love to read..but even if you were assigned a Jack Weyland book, then you might not like it because you will be graded on it, you will have deadlines on it, and it becomes assimilated into the structure of school. I think the challenge for all of us as teachers is to find a way to keep the love of reading there, even when all students have to read the same text, and even when there are ultimately grades attached to their reading. Giving students choices is a good starting point, as you said.. Thanks for your posting.