“Give me what you can. All I ask, kiddo.”

Yesterday, as I set the stage for our first personal-reading day, I took a moment to check in on my kids’ reading dispositions. Of course, generally speaking, I could have guessed the response. It’s the same story every year. Some love reading. Many are indifferent without the right book. And a good number hate it. I used the “h” word yesterday, and for some kids it is more imagined than real; it’s cool to hate reading, but for others the enmity runs deep. Too deep.

A last-minute decision, as I was torn between time and opportunity, found me walking with the kiddos down to the library for a quick chance to check out a book. I have a small classroom library, but it’s insufficient, especially as I strive to motivate my non-readers to dig into text, so we went to the library–have to support what I expect, so it was an easy decision.

Had been following the same schedule and routine all day as I walked and talked to kids about books and reading when a conversation with one of my kiddos grabbed me. As we turned the last corner, he had finally caught up to me. I heard him before I saw him, and as he came up on my shoulder, he shared these words.

“It was fifth grade for me, Sy. That’s why I hate reading. Teacher told me I was dumb and I would always be dumb if I didn’t start reading. He made me feel stupid. I was always in the low-reading group because my eyes got blurry when I read. I haven’t really read since.”

He rarely talks in class, and he has asked–begged— me to not make him speak in front of the class. He always passes in Smiles and Frowns. He’s a shadow most days, but yesterday, light found him a bit as he chanced a step away from his past. I’m glad I was there when he did. I patted him on the shoulder, told him I was sorry, and just asked him to give me what he could. All I ask.

I will get what I can out of my kids this year. And I am not alone. Many teachers approach reading with the reader in mind, honoring them in whatever ways they can to make them less-reluctant, less-resentful. Yesterday, one of my tweeps, Garreth Heidt sent me this link to a post by kateywrites. I particularly like the “The Rights of the Reader” poster. Worth a read. Thank you, Garreth and Katey.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will…

…begin with Smiles and Frowns.

…hear our Mindset Mantra.

…set our QUEST for the week, diving into writing and supporting theme statements.

…reflect in our Journey Journals.

…end with a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.