Why Children Should Choose Their Own Books To Read In Schools

“When you tear out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” ― George R.R. Martin. Throughout history, schools have books banned books for a host of reasons, from politically controversial content to profane language or violence. Book banning should no longer be allowed in schools because parents should the ones deciding what their child can or cannot read, it violates the First Amendment, and it does not teach children and teens to think for themselves.

Reading is a means of language acquisition, of communication, and of sharing information which is essential in being a productive member of society. If and when a student missed an opportunity to learn the skills necessary for reading, it’s has a profound impact on their lives. As educators we realize that teaching all children to read requires that every child receive excellent reading instruction. We are also aware that children, who are struggling with reading must receive

We all know many kids who do not like to read from elementary to college. In the early school years, there was always an instructor or, a parent to always guiding us. Or they would say it’s time for silent reading or even force us to read. This always worked for the best because kids to today love to tell stories to friends and families. Malcolm X went to the Norfolk colony’s prison, library everyday where he would stay for at an hour. He felt like he was in heaven just from seeing all the different books. He would be concentrating so hard on the books, which he would stay up past the normal time to go to sleep. Sometimes when it would be lights out he would try to read in the dark just because the book was just starting to get interesting.

One of the most beneficial attributes of literature is that it gives writers the ability to address any topic they desire. From this aspect, many writings and books throughout history have had an immense impact on society and culture through the author’s philosophical insight. However, with a form of “media” unrestrained, certain writings have come under the scrutiny from readers before and after its publication. A prime example of this is the book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This book addresses one of the most controversial subjects presented in American history: slavery.

I attended the seminar entitled “Getting Boys to Read” held in the Erma C Byrd center of the West Virginia University hospital campus on Thursday November 5th . The presenter was a teacher / librarian named Mike McQueen. In his presentation he spoke about strategies to make reading more appealing to young male readers, and common mistakes that he feels tend to drive young boys from reading. Some of the concepts Mr. McQueen puts forth are common well known facts that may only surprise the most isolated and close minded of teachers. Other ideas were more interesting and some near self contradictory. Included in the seminar the attendees were given a copy of the speaker’s book by the same title. The book gives 114 tips and strategies to help literacy in boys and expert interviews to reinforce his strategies.

Reading is the beginning of every child’s learning. The basis of education begins with learning to read. Short (2010) explained that literature acts as “an inquiry to life” and a “way of knowing” (p. 50). However, in order to support children’s learning, it is essential to show children that learning is interesting from a young age. When Short first began teaching using worksheets and a basal reading program, she wrote, “I often felt that children were learning to read in spite of me” (p. 49). The students were not learning to think critically. However, when she began introducing literature circles to her students, she saw them “critically exploring their understandings with each other” (p. 49).

Recently I’ve learned that reading is a crucial part of life. Reading allows you to go on unbelievable adventures that you could only dream about. Bryce Shoemaker, author of “The Not So Lonely Good Company of Books” and Richard Rodriguez, author of “The Lonely, Good Company of Books” write about their experience with reading and writing the way they’ve surpassed their struggles. I personally can relate to both of their experiences with having a difficult time reading at a young age. Despite the fact that both of the authors had the opportunity to have a special teacher help him during school and I did not, we still had other common similarities. Having the resources such plenty of books at home and someone to encourage you to read on your own time such as a parent does not

Before I began elementary school, I enjoyed reading picture books, the touch and feel books and pop-up books. I loved the author Dr. Suess, because he was funny and because I loved the rhyming he did in his writing. I can remember before bed, my mom or dad would read to me until I got old enough to read myself. My mom has always enjoyed reading, if she is not reading a book, then she is reading a recipe or a magazine. My dad on the other hand, I have only seen him read one book, besides reading manuals for his tools. Reading was not a big deal in my house, all of us kids were told that we needed to read, but they did not force us to read. This brings me to Richard Rodriguez’s essay, in his household reading was not as important, but once he got to school, he realized that reading is one of the main activities. I can relate to Rodriguez because in either one of our households we weren’t told that we had to read before we did something else. Once I got to elementary school is when I realized that reading was not for me. Before school, I enjoyed reading, then once I began elementary school, I was forced to read, take tests over books, and read out loud in front of the class which made reading a chore.

With reading being the cornerstone of society it is expected that children begin learning about literature in their most formative years. With children reading younger and younger it should come as no surprise that something as loved and personal as reading should be turned into a competition among children (more personal). This unfortunate truth has followed me through the majority of my academic career turning literature into a job and annoyance. Much like many schools, my primary education required the logging of reading to ensure the students were spending some of their time enriching themselves rather than wasting it, according to the faculty. Being the competitive natured children we were, seeing who could read the most soon became the

Each of the concepts in the article, “Books for Young Readers” addresses the goal of student interest and engagement in reading. The section, “Ways of Reading” talks about balancing the personal and pedagogical responses to reading, which is not easy to achieve. Laura Jimenez and Kristin Mcilhagga are refreshingly open and honest in discussing their lesson on children’s historical fiction where they used the graphic novel, Storm in the Barn, by Matt Phelan. The book served their pedagogical objectives, but neither Lisa nor Kristin liked the book themselves and their students noticed. When asked if they liked the book, they had to admit that they did not. Educators must put themselves in their students’ position when seeking interesting and

I strongly believe teachers should pick our books for our school year. I believe this because 3 simple reason s 1st, teachers aren’t bias to what we read. 2nd, teachers literally went to college for this. 3rd teachers (mostly) read a lot of books so they are more experienced in the book world and know what’s best for us.

Families are often encouraged to provide a variety of reading material for their children, especially at an early age, to give children plenty of options when learning how to read. When children are provided with a variety of reading material at home, they see that a high value is placed on reading. If parents value reading at home, children tend to value it also, and the more a child is encouraged to read at home, the more they will want to engage in reading in general. By being involved in their child’s reading development, parents can give their children a firm foundation to reading prior to entering grade school which will lead to a lifetime of reading enjoyment and

(Attention Getter) Reading is a hobby that many of us can or already do enjoy, but what if I told you that the benefits of reading can stretch far beyond a little ease-of-mind? (Thesis): Some claim that readers will be able to enjoy a notably longer life than those who do not read. (Relevance): Out of the lazing pastimes that we occupy our little free-time with, very few of them have such a considerable, long-term effects as these claims

Reading is one of the most beneficial activities a man can do. Out of reading, man can be able to discover new things, concepts, places and people. More so, reading is a way to relax our mind and soul, going deeply through the world of story and improves our thinking and internalization process.

I believe all children can learn to read in a classroom that is integrated with differentiated instruction and has a safe and engaging learning environment which is rich with a variety of literature to light that spark in the children to want to learn. I will make an effort to get to know my children in order to be able to provide a classroom library with nonfiction books to inform the inquiring mind, picture books for the artistic mind, and fiction books to entertain. All books will be chosen based on their curiosity, interest, personal connection, and learning profile, in order to attract and enchant the young readers into going back to the book area again and again.