There were some great comments in response to When Children Think They Don't Like to Read, so I'd like to bounce those ideas around over the next couple of posts.
The first comment was made by Rick Ackerly, who has significant experience as a parent, educator, and administrator, and has recently published a book that I'm in the process of reading (I will review it in August). He said:
"I am convinced that for some children, their resistance to reading is a reaction to their parents' anxiety that they are not reading fast enough, or soon enough, or enough. Some homes need to turn up the dial on reading, but others need to turn it down."
Anxiety is certainly contagious, and children pick up on it very quickly.
Sometimes, parents and teachers have the best intentions; but they're so worried about outcomes that they forget to enjoy the journey. Their words and gestures reflect anxiety, instead of enthusiasm.
Hey, who doesn't have anxiety these days? It comes with being busy. But when you lack enthusiasm, that's a real problem.
Enthusiasm motivates and inspires (but never pushes or pulls), whether we're talking about reading or hitting a baseball. It lives in our hearts and in the words an author writes. Find it in yourself, your child, and the books you read together; and that anxiety will fade away into the distance.
I'd like to thank Rick Ackerly for his comment! You can find out more about him at his blog.
Have a wonderful weekend!
You can find part 3 here.