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[CCBC-Net] Why are children reluctant to read?
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From: Steward, Celeste <csteward>
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 10:48:20 -0700
Thom--I agree with your entire post. You are absolutely correct in you're your "job is to help her find a book she won't hate." Bingo.
Librarians should have an "arsenal of proven titles" for the reluctant reader. Sadly, I find that some librarians cannot or will not transcend personal tastes when helping reluctant readers. I've sat in meetings with folks who could have written a Trevor Romaine book with the working title: "What Do You Do When They Won't Read [my version of] a Good Book?"
We encourage children to celebrate diversity, why can't we accept kids reading materials that we deem of lesser quality? If the latest Scooby Doo mystery is what they like, pass it over. If it's the tele-novel of Raven, give it to them. If they happen to crave Newbery books, then we can cheer silently as we lead them to the shelf. And anything in between pulp fiction and good literature works too.
The fact is that the child is in the library asking for something to read. On some days, that in itself is miraculous.
And like Maia, I am relieved that my own children LOVE to read. Reading is as natural to them as eating or sleeping. Still, I notice one of my daughters devours what some might consider "trashy adventure novels." The other likes "chick lit," another questionable taste arena--maybe she's a future romance novel enthusiast.
Am I worried about this? Nope. The great thing about children is that they are malleable and their tastes change so dramatically, sometimes on a weekly basis. And it's so much more pleasant to entice rather than force children to read. Because you never know what they will become, even if all they read was Mad magazine and graphic novels as a kid.
Celeste Steward
Collection Development Librarian, Children's Services Alameda County Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538
-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Barthelmess, Thom Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 8:16 AM To: Maia Cheli-Colando; ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] Why are children reluctant to read?
I think Maia makes a good (and brave) point. Those of us who have centered our lives around bringing kids and books together, in whatever capacity, are prone to zeal. But I'm not sure that our messianic propensities are the only reason we consider the plight of the reluctant reader.
I see my job, fundamentally, as a charge to help kids find books. I love books, and the occasions when I get to help an avid reader fall in love with one are undoubtedly gratifying. But more frequently, there's something in our way, some obstacle between the child and the book. Sometimes the child doesn't read well. Sometimes the child is embarassed to admit she likes to read. Sometimes she can't read. And sometimes, as we discuss this month, she just doesn't want to. She's here in the library because some reason in her life is making her read a book, and she wants my help. My job isn't to make her want to read good books. If I can do that, I'm a happy guy, but it isn't my job. My job is to help her find one she won't hate.
Part of growing up is being forced to read by grown-ups. As if that weren't bad enough, there are increasing impediments to kids simply enjoying a book - accellerated reader-type programs, minimum page limits, questionable booklists, etc. But there are books out there that trascend those barriers, and I find it helpful to have an arsenal of proven titles at the ready. I'm following this month's discussion because the CCBC community is a remarkable source of practiced recommendation.
Thom Barthelmess Youth Services Manager Austin Public Library 800 Guadalupe Austin, TX 78701 512.974.7405
-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Maia Cheli-Colando Sent: Sunday, August 06, 2006 3:31 PM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] Why are children reluctant to read?
I am a reader. My children are readers and read-withers. We have a ridiculous number of books climbing the walls of house, and crawling on the floor. It delights me that my seven year old can read anything she wants to, and does.
And yet, I wonder about this thought processes behind this month's discussion. What are our reasons for wanting all children to read?
I celebrate that my kids love books because we get to share those worlds together, because they explore new places and learn so many things from the pages. It would be queer to be a writer and have your children not love books; that could feel lonely. But that doesn't make me feel that
/everyone has/ to read.
I am relieved that my kids love books because not reading skillfully is problematic for the kinds of subjects (and possibly, careers one day) that interest them. The practical end: it would be awfully hard to make your way in much of the US today, not reading.
Celebration and pragmatism. What drives us when we push reluctant but capable readers to read more than they want to? Do we feel they have to enjoy what we enjoy? Do we really believe that everyone takes glory from life in the same ways? In our house, music is as much a passion as books, and the ocean is more loved than either. Truthfully, I would be more frightened if my children didn't sing than if they didn't read, and if they didn't honor the earth, I would feel I had completely failed in my mothering hopes. But if they could read, and just didn't much... I'd know they were missing out on something I loved, and I would try to tease them through it... but would it be because I think everyone should read, or because they are /my/ children, and I want to explore those lands with them?
How do teachers approach reading in the classroom? A good teacher in a healthy environment is able to share his or her joy of stories. Human beings are generally responsive to others' enthusiasms -- so kids will pick up on positive book energy and ride with it, for a little while. But is it okay if a kid then says, okay, I can do it, and will do it sometimes, but I'd rather be out climbing trees? All in all, isn't it healthier to climb trees than to read a book? It's lovely if we do both, but if it's one or the other...? And, children's days are awfully constrained these days. (Homework in elementary school?)
At a time in history when there are so very many things we feel pressured to understand, to be competent in, is it worth taking a step back and asking if literacy and articulation in English (often in addition to a first language), strong reading skills and expository writing, "high school" math, chemistry and biology and physics, a driver's license, memorization of the American presidents and the (very theoretical) balances of power in the American government is really what we want each child to emerge into adulthood with? Are we teaching so much to so many in such crippled environments that mediocrity is the best we can gather for most?
If a child can read, and wants to build physics experiments instead in most of their "free" time, isn't that okay? Isn't doing as good as reading about doing? :)
Maia
Robin Smith wrote:
> Dear all,
> I think about this issue a lot. I ask parents to think about the
seriousness of "aliteracy," having the skills of reading, but not reading. It's almost a luxurious problem, isn't it? In many parts of the world, literacy can be a luxury--being awash in books and libraries can seem like an impossible dream. Yet we have many children who can read, but choose not to. I don't have the answer, but I think a part of the problem is that reading (at least the way it is taught in some schools) is simply not fun. That's why so many of the suggested titles are humor titles. And that's why many of the books you have suggested I think of as "boy books."
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Visit this link to read archives or to unsubscribe... http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Visit this link to read archives or to unsubscribe... http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
Received on Mon 07 Aug 2006 12:48:20 PM CDT
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 10:48:20 -0700
Thom--I agree with your entire post. You are absolutely correct in you're your "job is to help her find a book she won't hate." Bingo.
Librarians should have an "arsenal of proven titles" for the reluctant reader. Sadly, I find that some librarians cannot or will not transcend personal tastes when helping reluctant readers. I've sat in meetings with folks who could have written a Trevor Romaine book with the working title: "What Do You Do When They Won't Read [my version of] a Good Book?"
We encourage children to celebrate diversity, why can't we accept kids reading materials that we deem of lesser quality? If the latest Scooby Doo mystery is what they like, pass it over. If it's the tele-novel of Raven, give it to them. If they happen to crave Newbery books, then we can cheer silently as we lead them to the shelf. And anything in between pulp fiction and good literature works too.
The fact is that the child is in the library asking for something to read. On some days, that in itself is miraculous.
And like Maia, I am relieved that my own children LOVE to read. Reading is as natural to them as eating or sleeping. Still, I notice one of my daughters devours what some might consider "trashy adventure novels." The other likes "chick lit," another questionable taste arena--maybe she's a future romance novel enthusiast.
Am I worried about this? Nope. The great thing about children is that they are malleable and their tastes change so dramatically, sometimes on a weekly basis. And it's so much more pleasant to entice rather than force children to read. Because you never know what they will become, even if all they read was Mad magazine and graphic novels as a kid.
Celeste Steward
Collection Development Librarian, Children's Services Alameda County Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538
-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Barthelmess, Thom Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 8:16 AM To: Maia Cheli-Colando; ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] Why are children reluctant to read?
I think Maia makes a good (and brave) point. Those of us who have centered our lives around bringing kids and books together, in whatever capacity, are prone to zeal. But I'm not sure that our messianic propensities are the only reason we consider the plight of the reluctant reader.
I see my job, fundamentally, as a charge to help kids find books. I love books, and the occasions when I get to help an avid reader fall in love with one are undoubtedly gratifying. But more frequently, there's something in our way, some obstacle between the child and the book. Sometimes the child doesn't read well. Sometimes the child is embarassed to admit she likes to read. Sometimes she can't read. And sometimes, as we discuss this month, she just doesn't want to. She's here in the library because some reason in her life is making her read a book, and she wants my help. My job isn't to make her want to read good books. If I can do that, I'm a happy guy, but it isn't my job. My job is to help her find one she won't hate.
Part of growing up is being forced to read by grown-ups. As if that weren't bad enough, there are increasing impediments to kids simply enjoying a book - accellerated reader-type programs, minimum page limits, questionable booklists, etc. But there are books out there that trascend those barriers, and I find it helpful to have an arsenal of proven titles at the ready. I'm following this month's discussion because the CCBC community is a remarkable source of practiced recommendation.
Thom Barthelmess Youth Services Manager Austin Public Library 800 Guadalupe Austin, TX 78701 512.974.7405
-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Maia Cheli-Colando Sent: Sunday, August 06, 2006 3:31 PM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] Why are children reluctant to read?
I am a reader. My children are readers and read-withers. We have a ridiculous number of books climbing the walls of house, and crawling on the floor. It delights me that my seven year old can read anything she wants to, and does.
And yet, I wonder about this thought processes behind this month's discussion. What are our reasons for wanting all children to read?
I celebrate that my kids love books because we get to share those worlds together, because they explore new places and learn so many things from the pages. It would be queer to be a writer and have your children not love books; that could feel lonely. But that doesn't make me feel that
/everyone has/ to read.
I am relieved that my kids love books because not reading skillfully is problematic for the kinds of subjects (and possibly, careers one day) that interest them. The practical end: it would be awfully hard to make your way in much of the US today, not reading.
Celebration and pragmatism. What drives us when we push reluctant but capable readers to read more than they want to? Do we feel they have to enjoy what we enjoy? Do we really believe that everyone takes glory from life in the same ways? In our house, music is as much a passion as books, and the ocean is more loved than either. Truthfully, I would be more frightened if my children didn't sing than if they didn't read, and if they didn't honor the earth, I would feel I had completely failed in my mothering hopes. But if they could read, and just didn't much... I'd know they were missing out on something I loved, and I would try to tease them through it... but would it be because I think everyone should read, or because they are /my/ children, and I want to explore those lands with them?
How do teachers approach reading in the classroom? A good teacher in a healthy environment is able to share his or her joy of stories. Human beings are generally responsive to others' enthusiasms -- so kids will pick up on positive book energy and ride with it, for a little while. But is it okay if a kid then says, okay, I can do it, and will do it sometimes, but I'd rather be out climbing trees? All in all, isn't it healthier to climb trees than to read a book? It's lovely if we do both, but if it's one or the other...? And, children's days are awfully constrained these days. (Homework in elementary school?)
At a time in history when there are so very many things we feel pressured to understand, to be competent in, is it worth taking a step back and asking if literacy and articulation in English (often in addition to a first language), strong reading skills and expository writing, "high school" math, chemistry and biology and physics, a driver's license, memorization of the American presidents and the (very theoretical) balances of power in the American government is really what we want each child to emerge into adulthood with? Are we teaching so much to so many in such crippled environments that mediocrity is the best we can gather for most?
If a child can read, and wants to build physics experiments instead in most of their "free" time, isn't that okay? Isn't doing as good as reading about doing? :)
Maia
Robin Smith wrote:
> Dear all,
> I think about this issue a lot. I ask parents to think about the
seriousness of "aliteracy," having the skills of reading, but not reading. It's almost a luxurious problem, isn't it? In many parts of the world, literacy can be a luxury--being awash in books and libraries can seem like an impossible dream. Yet we have many children who can read, but choose not to. I don't have the answer, but I think a part of the problem is that reading (at least the way it is taught in some schools) is simply not fun. That's why so many of the suggested titles are humor titles. And that's why many of the books you have suggested I think of as "boy books."
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Visit this link to read archives or to unsubscribe... http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Visit this link to read archives or to unsubscribe... http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
Received on Mon 07 Aug 2006 12:48:20 PM CDT
