Today was the first day of the Manaiakalani Reading Practise Intensive. A course aimed developing our knowledge and ability of teaching reading effectively. There is much to take away and digest but below are my initial wonderings
Reading for enjoyment
I'm not someone who naturally enjoys reading. I wouldn't sit down and read a book for pleasure. For whatever reason I never got that bug. While this is the case, I do still read but when there is a reason to, like when I want to learn something specific. Today, one of the readings mentioned that for people who enjoy reading "reading was about finding pleasure, wellbeing, connection, relationship, meaning, and a sense of identity in the world". It struck me that the benefits of enjoying to read went far beyond having fun with the inclusion of better wellbeing, connections and relationships etc. This has got me wondering how can develop not only my own desire, but the desire of the kids in my class to want to read. How can I instil in them a love of reading?
Student choice
My other wondering has been how can I incorporate greater student choice within my reading program. Greater choice in texts and activities. We were shown some examples which will be a great starting point.
Watch this space.
