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Baby Reader
Even though I was a newborn, my parents said they read to me every night before I went to bed. I believe this was a foundation for the start of my literary experiences in life. -
Library Time!
Every week my grandmother would take me to the library to listen to a story being read by a librarian. I looked forward to this adventure every week. The librarians would add props and would act out the stories, which made them even more entertaining. -
Hooked on Phonics
My mother surprised me with a "Hooked on Phonics" set. Every night we would sit down, put the cassette in the boom box and listen along while reading. I looked forward to reading and learning phonetics every night. I began to phonetically sound out words and could begin to read. -
Kindergarten
I began kindergarten and could read! I was able to read books in class and looked forward to reading with my friends. I enjoyed helping my friends, who could not read, sound out the words. -
Chapter Books
I began to enjoy chapter books. I was able to understand enough vocabulary that I would sit for hours reading books like Junie B. Jones. I enjoyed reading these books after I completed my homework and over summer break. -
Ugh! More Chapter Books
The more projects I was assigned in school, meant less time to read for fun. I began to lose some of my free time because of school projects and homework. I still enjoyed to read for pleasure, but did not have as much time to do so. -
Summer Reading Challenge
Every summer I would sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at the library. I enjoyed reading over the summer and now I could compete with my little sister. We would see who could read the most books over the summer and win the most prizes. -
Middle School
As a sixth grader, I thought that the books I would be reading in class would be more entertaining. I was sadly mistaken. Over the year I only was allowed to pick one book for one project. That was the only book I enjoyed. I signed up for too many gifted and talented classes and had zero time to read for pleasure. -
English Class
Despite being a former avid reader, I began to struggle understanding the text in many of my English books. I had to utilize my Dictionary more times than I am proud of. I struggled deciphering the author's meaning and context in many of the books. I despised all reading and literacy. -
The Great Gatsby
I read this book several times. I finally understood the context and comprehended what the author conveyed to the audience. This book sparked my interest and encouraged me to begin reading for enjoyment again. I appreciated Fitzgerald's use of metaphors and detail throughout the novel. This novel has become a staple on my bookshelf. -
Do I Have Time to Read?
With my career beginning and dating life in full swing, I lost track of reading. I have now become reliant on technology for world news and barely pick up a book. -
College
With my decision to begin a new career I have entered college. I have begun to look into the deeper meaning of text and begun to read for classes and less for pleasure. I have to refresh my brain on how to utilize context clues and search for the deeper meanings within text. I now become a critical thinker and reader. As I read I no longer aimlessly read the text, but become an engaged reader. I write questions down as I read. I make predictions and and summarize what I have read.