Day One: “I don’t like to read.”
You know that card game, “Bullshit?” That’s what I want to say when a middle school student says, “I don’t like to read.” (No, I don’t say it out loud. I don’t really want to say, “Bullshit.”) Instead, I say, “Yes, you do.”
After the gasp or rolling eyes, the student may start to argue, give excuses, or repeat: “No, I don’t like to read.” I’m ready. I fire back…
“You like to read your friend’s texts, don’t you?”
“You like to read your Facebook posts, right?”
“You like to read the menu at your favorite restaurant. Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to order what you really want.”
Every single student giggles at my comeback sentence. Every. Single. Time.
Why?
The student knows I’m right.
*****
This blog series, All Kinds of Readers, addresses ways teachers cope with the “I-don’t-like-to-read” readers. I have struggled with this for years. I’ve read, researched, and read some more. (I love to read!) How can I get students to find the passion, the joy of reading? Join me as I try to find solutions that work. Add your comments and questions to the conversation. Welcome to the blog!
Reading Teacher Writes 