It is wonderful to give the joy of reading to a child. To see their face light up when they hear the difference of inflection of your voice; the intrigue at mysterious sections, their brains trying to piece together the contents; knowing they have been introduced to a land of imagination, insight and an idea of creation they did not have previously. I did not teach her to read, but I am giving her the confidence she needs to do just that.
It pains me to see a mother feel helpless for her child, noting that the school sent home a paper explaining the dilemma. She can read, yes, but at a 5th grade level. That would be amazing if she were in 5th grade, or 4th, or 3rd; but she is not- she is in 8th. What to do? Her essay writing is not much better. Her comprehension is average, but you need more than comprehension to pass the 8th grade. (How has she gotten this far, I think to myself?)
My poor student, who shall remain nameless, is afraid of reading. She shutters at the thought to read out loud, and when she does, she rushes. Letters and whole words are omitted to get through the process. She adds tenses in strange places, and misreads as if no one will know. She has a learning disability and she has been programed to think she cannot read or write any better than she already does.
Yet, she is intelligent. When given the chance, she can analysis and interpret literary themes. With a little help, she can diagram a plot sequence. With the right attitude, she can write journal entries worthy of discussion. This student means the world to me and I am so happy to have stumbled across her. I love this student, and for the last 3 weeks, I have been giving her the joy of reading. Ever read out loud to someone hanging on your every word? I have. Ever jumped up and down and made someone scream at the top of their lungs "I can do it!"? I have. Know how it feels to change a life with just words on a page? I do.
Give the joy of reading to someone, anyone. You'll be happy you did.
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Woohoo! I want to say more, but I am eating fried rice at the moment. I'll be back. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about sharing the joy of reading with young people. That is why I had a lending library in my classroom. People need access to a variety of books--at all different reading "levels"--and an enthusiastic, non-judgmental mentor. That way reading can become fun, and less intimidating. Watching you go through this process of becoming a teacher is so exciting. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI tutored a kid at the middle school level and it's a great feeling to see them gain the confidence they need. :)
ReplyDelete- Patsy