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[CCBC-Net] reluctant readers
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From: Steward, Celeste <csteward>
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2006 09:48:57 -0700
Love your analogy between fitness and reading...so true. I read a Clique book recently because one of my daughters is plowing her way through the series. I admit I held my nose through the book. When I was done, I asked her politely, "So, these girls are spoiled brats--what do you like about these books?"
She looked at me very indulgently and said, "Oh mom, of course they're spoiled and bratty--but that's why it's so much fun to read about it!"
Oh, duh, she's living vicariously--didn't even occur to me. :)
Someone else mentioned that parents can help so much with reluctant readers...this is very true...So far I've resisted my own kids' requests for TVs in their bedrooms. That would surely kill the reading before bed habit. And I waited until I was certain their reading skills and reading habit were cemented before buying the game boys. I read aloud to them before bed--still do. I paved the way in other ways too but I consider these major steps toward reading enrichment.
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 Watson, Jamie Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 9:24 AM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] reluctant readers
Something that is so important to keep in mind when working with reluctant readers is that there is NO "one size fits all" book. Some are certainly better than others. But that's what often makes people reluctant - they like what they like and aren't really interested in other things.I personally would love to read more Tolstoy, but I'd rather eat bugs than read another Eragon book. Others read Eragon in a single sitting.
Reader's advisory can be very important with this group. And definitely read the books yourself! If your reluctant readers like The Clique books, read one! If they only want to read Captain Underpants, read one! Maybe you will see what it is that they like and be able to direct them to other things.
Someone touched on the topic "Can we turn everyone into a reader?" We can certainly turn people less reluctant. But some people will never be readers, and it is important to make peace with that, and try to engage the reluctant ones as much as we can with our wide, personalized knowledge.
I liken this to fitness. Intellectually we all agree that it is important to stay active and be physically fit. Some of us probably work out every day. Some of us once a week. And some of us groan at the thought of parking too far away in the parking lot. We are "reluctant exercisers." Those who exercise all the time can't fathom why someone wouldn't want to go for a 5-mile bike ride. Just like those of us who read all the time can't imagine why someone isn't thrilled for the final installment of Harry Potter.
All of us need some reading and some exercising. Some of us will be avid, some will be reluctant. And there is SOME physical activity out there for everyone whether it be yoga or swimming or dancing. But some of us will always be "reluctant exercisers." And those that are passionate can just do the best we can to keep finding the right book for the right reader at the right time.
Jamie Watson Asst. Manager, Materials Harford County Public Library 1221-A Brass Mill Rd. Belcamp, MD 21017
(410)273-5600 x. 276
_______________________________________________ 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 Tue 08 Aug 2006 11:48:57 AM CDT
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2006 09:48:57 -0700
Love your analogy between fitness and reading...so true. I read a Clique book recently because one of my daughters is plowing her way through the series. I admit I held my nose through the book. When I was done, I asked her politely, "So, these girls are spoiled brats--what do you like about these books?"
She looked at me very indulgently and said, "Oh mom, of course they're spoiled and bratty--but that's why it's so much fun to read about it!"
Oh, duh, she's living vicariously--didn't even occur to me. :)
Someone else mentioned that parents can help so much with reluctant readers...this is very true...So far I've resisted my own kids' requests for TVs in their bedrooms. That would surely kill the reading before bed habit. And I waited until I was certain their reading skills and reading habit were cemented before buying the game boys. I read aloud to them before bed--still do. I paved the way in other ways too but I consider these major steps toward reading enrichment.
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 Watson, Jamie Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 9:24 AM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] reluctant readers
Something that is so important to keep in mind when working with reluctant readers is that there is NO "one size fits all" book. Some are certainly better than others. But that's what often makes people reluctant - they like what they like and aren't really interested in other things.I personally would love to read more Tolstoy, but I'd rather eat bugs than read another Eragon book. Others read Eragon in a single sitting.
Reader's advisory can be very important with this group. And definitely read the books yourself! If your reluctant readers like The Clique books, read one! If they only want to read Captain Underpants, read one! Maybe you will see what it is that they like and be able to direct them to other things.
Someone touched on the topic "Can we turn everyone into a reader?" We can certainly turn people less reluctant. But some people will never be readers, and it is important to make peace with that, and try to engage the reluctant ones as much as we can with our wide, personalized knowledge.
I liken this to fitness. Intellectually we all agree that it is important to stay active and be physically fit. Some of us probably work out every day. Some of us once a week. And some of us groan at the thought of parking too far away in the parking lot. We are "reluctant exercisers." Those who exercise all the time can't fathom why someone wouldn't want to go for a 5-mile bike ride. Just like those of us who read all the time can't imagine why someone isn't thrilled for the final installment of Harry Potter.
All of us need some reading and some exercising. Some of us will be avid, some will be reluctant. And there is SOME physical activity out there for everyone whether it be yoga or swimming or dancing. But some of us will always be "reluctant exercisers." And those that are passionate can just do the best we can to keep finding the right book for the right reader at the right time.
Jamie Watson Asst. Manager, Materials Harford County Public Library 1221-A Brass Mill Rd. Belcamp, MD 21017
(410)273-5600 x. 276
_______________________________________________ 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 Tue 08 Aug 2006 11:48:57 AM CDT
