Susan Justice's August Blog #1: The Pleasure Principle

          Studies have proven the direct correlation between increased engaged reading time and higher standardized test scores. I enjoyed reading the article because it gave “permission” for us, as teachers, to put down the text book and allow the students to read! It gives us the opportunity to introduce students to books they may not have considered reading, talk with them about why they picked a certain book, and what they are looking forward to reading next. I feel allowing students this time to really get in to a book should be a relaxing time for them. Kids, like adults, are faced with so many stresses in their lives with the demands of school, after school activities, and homework, that they need some downtime as well. I love the Reader’s Bill of Rights. Students need to know that it is okay to start a book and not finish or to skip pages. They are told from a young age, when they check a book out from the library, “You picked it out, you need to read it before you can turn it back in.” However, you may not realize you aren’t interested until after you are a few pages in to the book. Students need to feel that it is alright to not finish the book. Since reading the article, my students have more time to read for pleasure, without strings attached. They know they will not be tested or have to “finish this assignment before they can read”. They have enjoyed it and I have seen great improvements in their test scores.