I often wonder where and how do teens lose their love of reading. It seems to me that children are used to sitting at the carpets with their teachers listening to them read as early learners. As they grow older the are taught how to read themselves. When a child reads their first book it is a huge milestone for their confidence, like tying their own shoes! After the celebratory time has worn off from the first book they move to more and more complex literature. Then reading becomes a "have to" instead of a "want to." Did we as educators (and future educators) become responsible for that shift?
I know this is my exact personal story. Until, YAL was brought to my attention. Suddenly I find myself years later, WANTING to read. I get excited to read. Why? I felt it was a direct correlation with the content in YAL. Let's face it; sex, drugs, murder, mystery, and other social issues captures the most attention on television/movies. Maybe this is why the flame has been reignited for me. Maybe it is the maturation of my brain that allows me to comprehend better.
How can we as future and current educators ensure that the flame for reading is never lost? Is YAL the key to this question?
Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI beleive that students lose their passion for reading when it becomes something they have to do rather than something they get to do. I have found working in the library, that if given time ALL students (K-6th) enjoy sustained silent reading, if they get to choose their reading material. I think educators need to model and allow for more sustained silent reading. Allowing their students to choose books on topics that they find interesting. The selection process might take some time, but I beleive that with the right book in their hands students won't lose the passion they once had for reading.
Jeanna I absolutely agree! I find it so frustrating selecting books for the book reviews but once I find one I like I can't put it down. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great resource! Thanks Megan!
ReplyDeleteBooks are so hard to match to personalities of students prior to the start of the semester! I struggled with this last semester, however after the first book, it was so much easier to figure out what the students enjoyed and the course went so much better! I think that reading inventory surveys are also a great idea, just like Megan! Nice blog!
ReplyDeleteIf you have not read the book Readicide by Kelly Gallagher, I highly recommend it!! It explains how and why schools kill the joy of reading, and how we, as educators, can prevent it!
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