Saturday Sayings: Meaning From the Start

I felt convicted when I read this for the first time last summer. Even though I preach about meaning and understanding with my readers, I've been missing the mark when it comes to book introductions, especially with my struggling readers.  Admittedly, it's not easy to get caught up in the meaning of some of the repetitive texts that very beginning readers need while first building their skills.  

I go to school.

I go to school on a bike.

I go to school on a bus.

I go to school in a car.

etc.

After reading the above quote, I've made a conscious effort to   give my readers a meaningful reason to read whatever they're reading.  In spite of the simplicity of the text, I first sell it with a book talk that both raises their level of understanding and desire to read the book.  Sometimes that means I make up a story and at other times, I use a real one.  Either way, I see myself as striving to sell these simple texts as well as a top-notch middle school librarian sells a 300 page novel.  I'm enjoying the challenge and can already see the benefits.