Raising a Reader

Teaching the joy of reading and the magic of learning is, I feel, our greatest gift as educators. As a parent, I have been witness to incredible moments of disbelief and awe when it comes to my own 2 sons, Liam and Bryce. They are, indeed, sponges as the saying goes, and my wife and I have tried to instill in them a love of reading that will build a foundation of learning success.

On the weekend, we took a trip to the Barrie Public Library - one of their favourite things to do. My wife came across a storybook called "Bony Legs" and remembered it from her own childhood. She put it into the bag of goodies to be signed out and we were homeward bound. She read the story to our youngest son, Bryce, twice in the next few days.

Bryce has entered the "pre-reading" stage and is constantly asking to "read" to us - or his 5-year-old brother, Liam. He uses the pictures as evidence and describes what he sees to us. He offers reactions like, "this is the funny part," and "isn't that weird?" He has already learned to interact with the text, use its features to improve his understanding and to celebrate and share in his "reading" to truly enjoy the experience.

He proudly carries out this adventure and is so delighted with himself, when he has us as a captivated audience. What a terrific thing to be a part of.



So, how can we make sure that we are "raising readers" in a positive and supportive manner? Here's what I think...

1. Celebrate everything in the stages of reading as worthy of your attention and feedback. "Wow, that's such an interesting ending." "What do you think will happen next?" "How do you feel when you read to mommy and daddy?" "I really like how you used the pictures to figure out what's happening!"

2. Recognize the process of reading. It doesn't happen overnight, and therefore, should be constantly done and discussed in order to progress. Our future readers are "reading" their world far before they sound out words and vocalize sentence structures.

3. Reading is life. This is a skill and talent that will carry your son, daughter, or student throughout their lives. They will dramatically improve given attention, support, feedback and questions. Frame each response and comment you make as an opportunity for them to dazzle you. Don't be satisfied with one word answers, dig deeper and find out what they think just as much as you expect to hear what they know.  

In the end, this is one of the greatest journeys they will ever make...and you will hold their hand through it all and guide them into their potential for learning - and life.

How do you "raise" readers - whether your own children or students you teach? 

Getting Your Class Back

There are moments as a teacher when you feel that you have strayed from your plans for the class. Class conflicts, poor marks and brutal work habits are some of the ways that we recognize our struggle with how to move a class forward in their learning.

Specifically, teenagers are a difficult age to crack and maintain a good rapport with. And when you find yourself already off to a rocky start, hope it seems is your solitary comfort. In the past, when I have felt that I am losing a group, I would surprise them with an act of kindness...

Spend an entire class putting curriculum aside and find out what they're interested in. Ask them favorite movies, television shows, bands, video games, tech. devices. When they see that you are willing to put them ahead of the learning (even if just for a class period), you will gain respect as a person - not just someone doing their job.

Take what they tell you and find a way to turn it into an independent project, unit or at least a lesson focus. They will appreciate having input into their learning and want to engage more in the process of it - especially since it will be driven by THEM - not just your curriculum documents.

I hope anyone reading this (especially those who teach teenagers) find this helpful. I have a soft spot for teaching adolescents having taught them for 9 years. It is a daunting task, but so rewarding when you break through and cause meaningful change and guidance for them.

They put up walls that you don't expect, do everything in their power to hide the cracks from you, and yet, if you can find a way in, they will be awed by your interest and resilience. Teenager brains are wired to become unwired and unpredictable. They don't know why, but they crave and seek out conflict in a way that is hard not to take personally.

When all is said and done, teenagers are the most vulnerable and important age group some of us will ever teach. They need strong role models and purposeful guidance in making their life decisions - often far before they plan to or are prepared to. Be cautious, but don't show fear. They admire confidence and appreciate honesty. As such, your strength as an educator should be your best tool for success.

This post was inspired by a reader question from an article I wrote for suite101.com entitled, "Expert Teachers in the Classroom: Part 1 (The Knowledge).

Create the "Cool"

Last week something happened to me at home that reinforced things that teachers need to do. It all started when my son (who wasn't feeling well) wanted to wear his "NASCAR pyjamas." Great idea - but they have short sleeves in a sometimes drafty house. "You could wear your housecoat," Mom said. "No. I don't want to wear it," he protested. After some time sulking on the floor and finishing his fit, I got involved. Remembering that I have a housecoat (which I never wear), I put it on and starting 'selling' it. "Wow. This is SO warm and comfy! We're so lucky to get to wear housecoats at night-time. Hey, we both can wear housecoats and watch a show together before bed. That would be so cool!" I hope you sense the three-year-old tone in these comments. Being a parent causes you to build up a vast wealth of comments and tactics that work in times of crisis. After my sales pitch finished, he put on the housecoat and we went downstairs together. Fit forgotten, on with the show. It reminded me of that scene from "Billy Madison" when Sandler wets himself to protect the kid who had done it and then sells it to all the other kids as the thing they should do to be 'cool.' Luckily, I did not have to wet myself. But I did solve the problem and used a new method to do it.

We create the cool in our classrooms. Even intermediates want to fit in and belong when they sit in your chairs and rest on your desktops. If they can't be reached with your lesson - their friends maybe can. Use them as the social hook that will allow them to engage just long enough to see that they enjoy what you're doing. We can redefine 'the cool' in any situation if there is enough confidence and flare behind it. It is a sales pitch and they have all become accustomed to the techniques of advertising through countless media vehicles. They will recognize what you are attempting to do and either buy in or dismiss it. Just be prepared to move on with or without the disgruntled and wait to see if they tag along for the ride (even if solely to socialize with their friends).