As I prepare for a road trip, I have a list of things that are must-haves: uniforms, toiletries, etc. In addition, there is one item that I must have in my carry-on bag--a good book. Over the years, bus rides (especially the long ones) have become my favorite time to dive into a good book. It's quiet for the most part and there is nothing to distract me. As I recall all of the books that I have read on these trips-Cal Ripken: The Only Way I Know, My Time in Heaven, Heaven is For Real to name a few, I see that they all have one thing in common. I enjoyed the topic. There were no tests or discussions on the topic. And there was no pressure from my peers to finish it in a timely manner. This is something that effects young readers as well. They must enjoy the topic. If we force them to read what we, as teachers, think they need to be reading it could lead to a loathing for reading.
Students need to be able to choose their own books. Forget about points, tests, and ice cream parties. It should just be about reading for pleasure. In addition, Daniel Pennac's Reader's Bill of Rights must be made known in order to alleviate or eliminate frustration.
Reader's Bill of Rights:
*The right to skip pages
*The right not to finish
*The right to browse
*The right to read anything
*The right to escapism
*The right not to read something
*The right to read out loud
*The right to read anywhere
*The right to not defend your tastes
You exercise a lot of elements on that Reader's Bill of Rights on your bus trip reading! It is always so interesting to me the gaps between school and "real world" reading once we localize ourselves as "real world readers." You recognize the importance of choice and reading for pleasure--your kids are lucky to have you as a reading advocate!
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