A New Year Reflection

Ok, I’m just going to say it. This year has been hard. And not just because my health has been on the rocks and I’ve taken on a new side gig. 

It’s been hard because I have many students this year who do not see themselves as readers. These students find reading difficult and boring, particularly compared to the thrill of whispering across the room, staring off into space, or using the bathroom for the sixth time in two hours. 

Can anyone relate?

For a variety of reasons, these students are simply uninterested in reading--for now--and I’m not going to pretend that it doesn’t take some of the wind out of my sails. It’s a bummer; it can be frustrating; and, frankly, it sometimes makes me panicky. 

I know the research. I know how closely linked reading ability is to success in adulthood. I know what’s at stake for these kids, and I know how badly they need to read. But they don’t. 

And the billionth lecture from me or a newly formatted reading log, or a bigger reading homework grade is not going to be the thing that suddenly makes the lightbulb go off and transforms them into hungry readers. 

But the right story could. My enthusiasm, book talks, and reading celebrations might. More conversations where I truly, truly listen to their experiences, opinions, and feelings may. 

So I’m going to keep trying. And I’m going to keep reading and showing them that I’m reading and reading aloud and doing all the things that I know will work… eventually. I’ve preached before about meeting students where they are, rather than wishing they were anywhere or anybody else, and this year is putting my words to the test. 

Let’s face it, it’s a lot easier to say those things than it is to face reluctant and grumpy pre-teens each day.  But I just don’t believe that there is a magic TpT resource or any single novel that will fix this problem. It truly takes persistence and consistency from us. So if you are struggling with it, feeling a little down, or letting your reading enthusiasm lag because it’s not “working”--DON’T! But know that I’m right there with you.  

Here’s to remembering that the classes that don’t appear to be “responding” to your daily commitment to reading are the ones that really, really need it. Let’s not give up on them . . . together. 

XO,

RileyReadsYA