©iStockphoto.com/Janice Richard
For the final post in this series, I'd just like to do a little recap of the main points:
- Many children seem to be turned off to reading. There are multiple contributing factors.
- Parents and teachers can pass on anxiety, and the heavy testing schedule only feeds this anxiety (see The Book Chook's comment after the first post in this series). It's hard to be enthusiastic when your main concern is the outcome, instead of the journey.
- If we pretend there are two islands - one for reluctant readers and one for avid readers - adults can gradually (one book at a time) build a bridge to help the non-readers to discover a love of reading. No helicopter is allowed.
- Children need to be surrounded by reading materials, and other enthusiastic readers, at home and at school. If they're familiar with the different genres of literature, and are open to trying different ones, they'll be much more likely to find books they enjoy.
I'd like to close by mentioning two key phrases that came up in the comments section. According to Melissa Taylor and John Birkett (see comments section following the first post in this series), there are two things a child needs to find: a "light-bulb book," and a "personal treasure island." I can't think of better words to end this series with.
I've always said that there is a book out there for every child, just waiting to be found. Isn't that book, the "light-bulb book," like a treasure of jewels? It sparkles and makes us feel special, just like a jewel.
My dentist was concerned that her teens just would never know what it's like to get lost in a great book. Why? Because they don't realize that there is a treasure to look for in the first place! Either that, or they're just too frustrated having to seek it out.
Most of us will never find a treasure box in our lifetimes, but if we do manage to find that "light-bulb book," it might just be the first step in creating our very own personal treasure island of reading. So, whether you've found it or not, why not share that journey of discovery with your children or students?
Just imagine the sound of the waves, and the seagulls, and the sound of the soft, gentle breeze. There's nowhere to go, and nothing to do. The only digging you have to do is to read the words of the book. And you don't need to be on a beach or an island to lose yourself in your surroundings, because a book brings the setting to you!
Anytime, anywhere...This treasure travels with you wherever you go.
It's a gift to ourselves, and a gift to our children. And best of all, it's free, as long as you have access to a public library.
Isn't it great to live in a world where you're guaranteed to find a treasure, as long you're willing to look for it?