Nancie Atwell's "The Pleasure Principle" made me think about people my age that I know don't read all that much. It makes me think about how their experiences were in school growing up. Were they allowed to choose what they read? Or were they, like me, usually told what to read because it was part of the curriculum that was being taught that particular year? This article makes me think back to my 8th grade year, especially. We were required to read books like 1984 and Animal Farm, which to some people may have been a very positive reading experience, but, for me it was not. Those kinds of books didn't interest me and I didn't enjoy or even want to read them. I didn't enjoy reading at that age. I have only in the past few years, discovered myself as one who loves to read. This is because I was able to choose what I was reading. I chose was I was interested in.
This article makes me realize how important it is for me as a teacher to allow my students choice in what they read. I want my students to love reading and to ooze that passion in the classroom. If I am choosing books for them, they may end up like me in middle school or like other adults I know. I don't want my students to not love to read. Reading can open up so many doors for students. If you allow children the choice of what they read, the potential of open doors grows exponentially. Educators, including myself, need to learn to let go of the need for control and let the students just simply enjoy a good book.
Laura I agree that educators need to let go of control. Those who have taught a certain way for many years might have a more difficult time letting go - I know I would. But when I did let go last year and surrendered that 30 minutes of independent reading time with conferencing, I was amazed at the results. My students grew as readers, I got to know what they enjoyed reading, and best of all, I got to know them. Because they knew I was interested in what they were doing, they made a more concerted effort to read "just right" books so that we might have a better conversation. Isn't that what we as adults enjoy doing when we talk to each other about books? Keep pushing your toward choice!
ReplyDeleteDeveloping independent readers is so important! We do as teachers need to allow students more choice in their readings. Their interests play a large role in developing a love for reading!
ReplyDeleteLaura, I do not remember much about my schooling and whether or not I was given freedom and choice in my reading, but I feel certain that I was not given a lot of choice. At home my mom encouraged me to read books that I loved and I found that I loved historical fiction books and realistic fiction. As an adult I have discovered Robin Jones Gunn and have fallen head over heels in love with her books that are realistic fiction and found that I still love historical fiction and non-fiction books that focus on history. I do not want our students to grow up and to become our age before they find books that they love and are eager to read.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your last sentence, "Educators, including myself, need to learn to let go of the need for control and let the students just simply enjoy a good book." I believe that sums up Atwell's point of her article nicely. If we know that we benefit from choice over what we read, it is important to provide that choice to our students as well. Sincerely, Dawn