I have always loved to read. I learned to read at age 4 because my older cousin could read the signs that Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote would hold up during the Saturday morning cartoon shows. I HATED the fact that he knew something I didn't. I understand that my frustration stemmed from my competitive nature (if you have seen me at my daughter's basketball games, you understand this about me-ha-ha!) but nevertheless, I wanted, no, I NEEDED to learn to read.
I remember reading great books as a kid. Books like Green Eggs and Ham, The Little Engine that Could, Peter Rabbit, Little Women, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Charlotte's Web, A Wrinkle in Time (okay, that one was really weird), Cam Jansen, and The Boxcar Children. Reading just became a lifestyle.
When I entered the education field, I was introduced to new books that I found to be intriguing and irresistible. These were Alexander and Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day, The Giver, and The Keeping Quilt. When I became a teacher, I absorbed everything I could about literature. The one thing I wanted to do the most was make kids love reading as much as I do. I discovered fantastic stories like Holes, Belle Prater's Boy and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. These stories called to me in a way that I just KNEW would call to students as well.
As a lit teacher, I know and understand that many kids do not like to read. I have two children. One LOVES reading, always has. The other reads only because it is necessary to survive in school and life. My goal is always to figure out WHY kids don't like to read. Is it because it is hard for them? Have they yet found a book that could hold their interest? What do I need to do to change their mind?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my job. Because I know that many kids don't love reading, I strive to make my class one that they enjoy. I try to be very entertaining, while driving home important skills at the same time. I use jokes, puns, idioms, songs, WHATEVER IT TAKES to make them love my class. That is why I have to admit that I have been a little frustrated lately over my classes' performance. I want students to understand the importance of these skills. I wondered if I was being ineffective or if they were just not trying. After discussing my concerns about this with the students, I have concluded that they have become a little complacent in their school work - or at least their literacy.
I am not a teacher that teaches to a state mandated test. I do teach the mandated standards, but I also believe that these standards are worth learning. The skills that I teach are to prepare my students for the reading and writing requirements that follow 5th grade. I try to explain how each skill I impart will be useful in their high school, college and/or career life. Do I want my kids to do well on those state mandated tests? Of course I do. Remember, I am super competitive. But mostly I want them to do well because it shows EVERYONE (principals, teachers, parents and most importantly the kids themselves) that they KNOW their stuff! Is my class difficult? At times, yes, it is. But I never teach "fluff". Everything I teach is important for their future.
I saw these quotes on Pinterest today. I had to post them to this blog because they completely sum up my feelings on reading. The comment by Harper Lee shows us that we take our education for granted sometimes here in America where we are so blessed. The second quote by Serafini epitomizes my theory about "hating to read". The third quote is from Mark Twain. He explains the reason one should learn to read.
Parents, if you are reading this, would you please continue to encourage your child to put forth their best effort? Will you encourage reading in your home? I'm sure many of you are doing so already, but if you are not, I implore you to begin supporting literacy for the future of your child.
Students, if you are reading this, give me all you've got! If you don't understand, ask! If you need help finding a book, I will scour the library with you until we find what we are looking for.
This is not meant to be a "Debbie Downer" blog post. I want to say again that this has been one of the best years of my career. When I say that I love my kids, I truly, truly mean it. And just like with my own two children, I have HIGH expectations of them.
We are going to really put our noses to the grindstone over the next several weeks. I am going to keep pushing. I hope the kids will keep going right along with me. Together I think we can create a great future generation!
Happy reading-
Mrs. Tipton
