In an old novel, a girl has just met a gentle-natured boy and as they walk together, she says, “You read a lot, don’t you?” He was surprised she could discern that about him…because he was indeed a voracious reader. As I read this passage, I wasn’t surprised as the male character possessed some tell-tale signs.
Do you think it’s possible to discern if a person is a reader or if they’re a non-reader? You might think, ”Sure…if you ask them.” What if you can’t ask, but rather must conclude like this female character did?
When September returns and kids begin a new school year, some confess that they read nothing over the summer. Gulp. Nothing? How about billboards? ‘Not really.” A cereal box? ‘Nah.’ Directions to a game? ‘Nope.’ You may think I’m exaggerating, and oh how I wish I were. Every year I hear this but honestly, the kids who answer in this way are those that will struggle more than their reading classmates.
I realize that to many, summer means taking a complete break from school, which includes reading, but that’s counter-productive. Teachers understand setting aside workbooks and math problems to rest the brain, but no one in the field of education advocates for a slow down in reading; if anything, reading should increase in the summer.
‘Oh, of course you’d say that. You’re in English teacher!’ Guilty as charged, but let’s get back to the question of being able to discern a reader or not. Studies show that readers will possess these attributes: consideration of others, an openness to people of different cultures, an interest in people and places outside their own circle. Those that read own a thoughtfulness, a gentleness of spirit, are able to entertain other sides of an experience…I could list much more but you get the idea.
These are qualities we want in our kids. Those cannot be obtained simply through whatever a teacher may assign throughout the year. A person or family must commit to it in addition to whatever is gleaned at school. Not only will a reader gain those qualities, but literally every other subject in school will come easier as they’re accustomed to thinking and entertaining other worlds.
Summer is only half over. If you haven’t created a family book challenge yet, it’s not too late. Even if you begin with one book a month, do it. Most kids between the ages of 6 & 12 can read a book a week. If reading is difficult or you have new readers, start with children’s books! They’re non-threatening, come in a host of topics, and are visually appealing.
So grab a big bag and head to the library and return home with it bursting with books. Come September, I’ll be sharing with my students all that I read this summer and I’d love to hear what they read, too. If you need recommendations, please email me! I’d love to send you a list or even meet you at the library. Happy reading!
Submitted by: Mrs. Sue Likkel, ALC Administrator & English Teacher