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A Culture of Reading
Dear Families,
Each of these last two years I have had the same two New Year's resolutions-run 200 miles over the course of the year, and read ten books. Each of the last two years, my results have been the same-50%. One goal hit with flying colors, and one goal missed. Any guesses on which one was which?
A quick perusal of the national headlines makes it feel like reading is becoming a lost art. Test scores are low, and students are arriving at prestigious universities having never read a book cover to cover. A post I saw over the holidays was anecdotal but really gave me pause when a local educator posted, “I’ve had students who’ve told me that they have never seen their parents read a book.”
It was easy to get kind of indignant about that at first. I’m a father of two little ones. I read to them every day, at the very least as a part of their nightly routine. We have what seem like thousands of books in the house, some of which my oldest has memorized. But does he see me read? When given the chance, is picking up a book my first choice of leisure , or is it a screen? My annual 50% resolution failure offers an answer.
In the Junior High, we have been having conversations about how to build a Culture of Reading among our students, and we have started asking those students to always have an independent reading book as part of their daily materials, so that when finished with their work, there is always an enjoyable and productive place to turn. I would like to encourage this among our younger students as well. What a joy to always have a book at one’s side!
Reading helps us learn, helps us think. It takes us authentically to far-off or even imaginary places. It allows us to grapple with complex ideas and even morals in a way that lasts. With some rare exceptions (Harry Potter 5), the book is almost always better than the movie.
So, if you’re searching for a New Years resolution, maybe you’ll consider joining our Junior High students in always having a book close by. Perhaps the example we set can help change the culture.
God Bless,
Siggy Spelter
Principal
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