ch10

I think reading out loud to children is important. I remember in kinder,1st,2nd grades we use to order books from scholastic; however, we were always told to put them in our desk and look at them later or at home. Well "later" in class never came and "at home" kinda got lost in my parents routine schedule. It wasn't until 3rd grade that my teacher Mrs C. introduced reading for for and enjoyment. She read Beverly Clearly books to the class. My favorite was Henry, Ribsy, Ralph the mouse, and Romona. I thought the teacher was cool and it encouraged me to read on my own. Before that experience I assumed reading was something you had to do to get a good grade in class. It never occur ed to me that people read things for fun! The teacher often took us to the library to check out fun books to read. This teacher was the only teacher I ever encountered that did this. The other teachers only took us to the library to pick out a book for a book report ect. You knew the routine and what was expected to get a good grade. I hope more teachers out there take the time to read to their students. One person can make a difference. We went to the library every Friday. I spent my boring weekends ( only child) reading fun books! The teacher said we could write her letters over the weekend telling her all about any books we read. I could not not wait to read my book and I loved the ideal of writing the teacher a letter about the books. She always responded back! Looking back on it now I realize it was all a cleaver trick to get the kids to read!