I can remember my 8th grade year only slightly, although I wish I could remember even more. Although we did do some class novels, my memory instantly goes to diagramming sentences...not my favorite activity! However, a pleasant reading memory would be when we were assigned Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. I was instantly absorbed into this novel because of the strong narrative voice and the range of emotions the text created for me as a reader. My teacher would assign sections for homework, but the majority of the novel was read aloud. I can still remember these sections of class because I just wanted to keep going and going with the book. This was the first time I ever remember truly loving a book. Honestly, I think I connected with this text the most because it wasn't extremely difficult. I found out that reading didn't have to be something that caused frustration. I was hooked!
I hope that I can leave a lasting impression on my students with the texts they choose to read in class. Giving them so much choice and guidance should help with this substantially!
When they see your love for reading, it definitely rubs off onto them!
ReplyDeleteI like the comment, "I found out that reading didn't have to be something that caused frustration." Too often texts chosen by teachers are hard for kids to connect with as well as hard to read so frustration sets in. Having choice and read aloud is so important.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this. I remember that reading in school always seemed complicated or boring. This is something I need to keep in mind when reading with my little friends who are struggling with reading. Keep it short, keep it simple!! I want them to walk away with a book in their hands that they know they can read without help.
ReplyDeleteAgree! I feel like most of the time in school, text was assigned. There aren't many books I remember choosing. Especially in high school, my summer reading was an 800 pg. book called Sarum?? It was the most painful summer of my life! Choice is huge. It's great to see kids picking out books that they will enjoy and that are appropriate for them.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve! This quote you wrote, "I hope that I can leave a lasting impression on my students with the texts they choose to read in class. Giving them so much choice and guidance should help with this substantially!" Made me feel "warm fuzzies" as I would tell my students. I love your idea of TRULY having a long lasting impression based on a text. As a first year teacher, having to help students find a book when I am unfamiliar with a lot of the texts- it is difficult. I find it rewarding when a student finds a book they absolutely love and can relate to and this makes me want to push myself to read even more than I already am!
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