~ Readers are not born, they are made.
I love that quote because it sounds so hopeful to me. I love to read and I want everyone to feel the same way about books that I do! The idea that readers are made means that almost every person has an equal opportunity to be an avid reader.
This book, by Donalyn Miller, a sixth grade teacher in Texas, reaffirmed everything I believe about teaching and about the love of reading. My love of reading was a gift that my mother gave me. I believe it to be, quite possibly, the most wonderful gift, aside from life, that she has ever given me. I have escaped into books since I was a child, found friends there and experienced whole new worlds. Book for me are quite literally just like magic!
Ms. Miller espouses the idea that to make readers, our children have to - wait for it.... Read more. Since most are not reading at home, as teachers, we need to find the time for these children to read in school. Hopefully by modeling and teaching the love of reading, our students will be so excited by this whole new world that soon they will also be reading at home.
It has been my honor to see this very technique put into practice in several fourth grade classrooms this year. I have witnessed two very different but both wonderful teachers uses similar techniques to inspire the love of reading. I have seen the results, first hand. I have watched students BLOSSOM in just a few short months from being reluctant readers to avid ones.
There is so much in this book that is chalk full of wonderful advice, whether you are a teacher or a parent. I think my favorite piece of advice in the book is to read more children's books. I read a lot of young adult works because it helps me connect with my daughters and my students. I like to know what they are reading and I enjoy being able to make recommendations for them. I used to be ashamed to read so many young adult titles - crazy, I know. But Ms. Miller really helped me see the importance of this connection that I am creating with my children and my students. If you have children in your life, reluctant or avid reader, this book really does change perspectives on so many things. If you are a person working on becoming a teacher, or a classroom teacher right now, I can't recommend this book highly enough!
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