Learning to LOVE Reading

"Read in order to live." ~ Gustave Flaubert

Reading is the foundation of good writers, eloquent speakers, and a strong vocabulary, so it only makes sense that as teachers, we should be encouraging our students to read--not just inside our classroom and for homework, but on their own as well!  Independent reading for teenagers?  As great as it sounds, it is not always the easiest task to achieve.  Motivating our students to read may raise resistance initially, both from the students and sometimes even the administration, but it is necessary if we want our students to graduate with a love (and not loathing) of literature.  Most important in inspiring a love of reading is to encourage our students to read. 

I thought about Indians
on wild vision quests
As the teacher scolded
and passed out the tests.
I watched a pink turtle
walk across her desk
It gave me a smile
and laid down to rest.
As I smiled back happily
the teacher gave that dirty look to me.
She snatched away my book
and told me to listen
to her talk about vocab
synonyms and prepositions.
I snatched the book back and said,
"I can learn my lessons right in here,
better than anything you've taught all year."
At this, the buffalo wallowed
the pink turtle woke
The quest was finally over
Earthmother spoke.

~Jasmine (Allen 25)

Jasmine's poem is a shocking reminder to teachers that, as important as the rest of our curriculum is, nothing means so much in a student's life as reading.  Throughout this site, you will find suggestions on how to inspire your students to read outside of school, and develop a passion for literature.