When Thanksgiving break started a week ago, my goal was to finish all my school work and get my house cleaned and organized as soon as I could. Work before play. That's my motto. By Saturday night, everything on my list was crossed off. It was time to play. I cozied up under a blanket on my couch and began reading. Insert strange looks and shaking heads. Some people don't understand my enjoyment of books. When I leave comments on Facebook about my voracious reading habits, I don't always receive encouraging feedback. Sometimes I get the, "Is that all you ever do?" Well, no, but it's pretty close. I just finished my sixth book of the week, and I'm not embarrassed if people know. (I think I've broken a personal record. Maybe I should tell Facebook.)
Although my skin could use some toughening at times, I love books enough that I can put up with the naysayers. My students are not equipped with that ability yet. Fortunately first graders aren't at the age where it's really needed, but soon enough, friends, family, and society will have something to say about how much and what they read. Their world is already brimming with messages, making it clear that it's cool to be wrapped up in this, that, and the other thing. Rarely is reading given a place on the list. And for many, those messages will influence their choices. At this point, they think it's cool to take their books with them to recess. But will 17% of my students come to a point in their future reading lives where they will be embarrassed to be seen with a book? I'm challenged today to do something about that statistic.
It is a different world out there today! I remember always having a book in my hands as a teen and I do not remember being ridiculed for that. I think books can be a great conversation piece (among other things). I see kiddos at dismissal all the time and ask them what they are reading. I wish I knew more adults who read because I would love to talk about what I've been reading with people! (by the way 6 books! That is something to be proud of!)
ReplyDeleteNot Just Child's Play
Miss Trayers, I know what you mean about talking with others about books. I have a few adults who I love giving book recommendations to.
DeleteIt's hard to believe people would be embarrassed or ridiculed. I naively thought everyone read as much as I do, but then discovered it's a big deal with a few of my friends if they read two books all year! Go figure.
ReplyDeleteBarb, yep go figure. Most people don't mind the fact that I read so much, and I'm not sure why my reading is a big deal to the one who thinks I'm crazy. :)
DeleteSad, but true! It is amazing how quickly kids can change under pressure and influence of others. I want to make sure I'm influencing well and convince my kiddos that reading is cool. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, yes that's exactly what I'm hoping to do as well!
DeleteWhat a sad statistic! But I can see that as they get older, reading looses its coolness with students. That so needs to change!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, it's very sad and I so would like to do something about it. Hook them while they're young.
DeleteWhen I first read the quote, I thought 17% was because they were embarrassed about their reading skills. I have some of those in 2nd grade, and it is very sad to me.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get as many books read over Thanksgiving as you, but one weekend with my daughter, I got 2 or 3 done while she slept in. I love getting caught up in a good book!
Sara
Sara, it's kind of crazy that I read as much as I did so I hope no one feels bad about their 2 or 3 books. It helps that I was reading a lot of YA. Those are typically quicker reads. :)
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