One of the reasons I love reading (and writing, for that matter) is the opportunity to connect with others beyond myself. Stories are meant for sharing. I love recommending books. It’s like introducing two people you know are meant to be friends.
That’s why it’s so important for all of us, but especially children just starting to “own” their reading, to discuss, share, and explore literature with others. I could feel the energy in the air yesterday (silliness, too) as my fourth and fifth-graders came to discuss Pedro’s Journal, a mid-grade historical novel about a (ficitonal) boy who sailed on the Santa Maria during Columbus’s first voyage. Not all of them liked it, but all of them came with something to say.
Stories create worlds, characters, and circumstances bigger than ourselves. They point out what it means to be human. It is so key to share these things, making meaning beyond ourselves. I love that kids love this. I love that I get to be a part of the process. Thank you to everyone who fosters reading in the young — parents, teachers, librarians, volunteers, writers, readers, dreamers. Your efforts make a difference.
You post made me teary. My oldest daughter is 5 and she is learning to read. Right now it’s slow going. She can read the words, but can’t read fast enough to make sense of sentences. I know it will come sooner or later and I really want to see her get excited about reading to herself.
Nice post. 🙂 I used to volunteer in my kids’ classes for literature circles and all other sorts of Language Arts activities, and I loved hearing what the kids had to say about the books we read.
I love talking with kids about the books they are reading, especially when they get really excited about something. You can see the shine in their eyes.
Great post, and I totally agree!
Great post. Our school does not offerthis, but good idea. :O)