Learning to read is difficult. It is frustrating and time consuming, but so rewarding once you get it down. I struggled the first six weeks when they rushed me to learn to read before I entered the 3rd grade. It was a major chip in my self esteem to practice “Sam can ride with Pat” with the Kindergarten Class next door. It was even more embarrassing to have to walk back into my classroom after their reading lesson was completed. I was so embarrassed; I didn’t even take the time to notice that no one even cared that I couldn’t do their lessons yet. They were just glad their classmate was back and the rest of the day was going to continue. Soon that part of my life where I was so conscious of what others thought of me would fade away. The more I practiced and worked on my skills, the better my reading would become. By the time I was in sixth grade, I was finally able to fully enjoy reading; everything about it.
My sixth grade teacher tried to relate class to our everyday life. Instead of grades and points – we earned a paycheck for our turned in homework assignments, our clean desks, and our daily class work assignments. With our money we were to pay rent (our desk and chairs), borrowed supplies, and even little gifts at the end of the month. My favorite part of it all was the overtime we could work towards getting. My teacher made reading extra credit if you would call it. Every page of an approved book would receive a certain amount. I used to love this part of my homework (even though it was considered extra credit, we did have other required readings too). Each week I would choose a new book, determined to finish every page by the end of the week. I would be praised for my hard efforts. Something I realized I craved more than anything – the recognition that I excelled in my readings. Once other students realized how many points they could acquire from reading and seeing that I did so much, they began reading more as well. My teacher pointed out to me that because I worked so hard – I was able to show the other students that the hard work pays off. Prizes were a big incentive, but my classmates were starting to get used to reading – the class’s scores as a whole were improving.
I was already beginning to learn I loved reading before I began the sixth grade. However, I am glad I was able to experience my teacher’s strategy to get students to read more. Making something that is generally pushed upon or made into a chore in to something fun and exciting helps students so much more easily. Today when I pick up a book to read, I think about how much more value I can add to my life with what may be hidden in the pages. With that thought in mind, I don’t believe I will ever lose my interest in reading.
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