I think young people should not be judged by the level of their reading but by the way a book makes them think and feel. Jacqueline Woodson As she accepted her appointment to become the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, esteemed author Jacqueline Woodson said, “I don’t believe there are ‘struggling’ readers, ‘advanced’ readers or ‘non’ readers.” How a book makes them think and feel, how it gives them hope, how it opens them up to new perspectives and changes them—this is what matters, says this four-time Newbery Honor Medalist, Coretta Scott King Book Award-winner, former Young People’s Poet Laureate, and National Book Award Winner.
Thanks Debra for so accurately describing what it means to be lost in a book, one of the great joys of being a reader--falling in love with a book, a genre, an author, a character, and being so engaged that "It's just me and my book." You note: "A principle of Engagement is that we have a bonded relationship with the person or persons with whom we are learning." The way you promote engagement and daily, independent reading makes it possible and likely your students will become and remain inspired, thoughtful, lifelong readers.
There are moments a teacher never forgets and I think this one will be mine.
Thanks Debra for so accurately describing what it means to be lost in a book, one of the great joys of being a reader--falling in love with a book, a genre, an author, a character, and being so engaged that "It's just me and my book." You note: "A principle of Engagement is that we have a bonded relationship with the person or persons with whom we are learning." The way you promote engagement and daily, independent reading makes it possible and likely your students will become and remain inspired, thoughtful, lifelong readers.
Loved this article, especially the dialogue between you and the student. I wish more teachers would share your thinking and process!!