EDRG 3321 Chp. 4

Responding to Literature held many truths. Our influences trigger the way we will respond to what we read. Many times our students may not have the background knowledge to connect with the book. It is vital on our presentation, the information we give to setup the story. As professor Pickett mentioned in class just giving them a book to read without a reason will not encourage a child to read. They have to have a reason or maybe a connection. I think it is also important for there to be commitment by the reader. Many times, especially middle school or high school, don't finish a book. I meet so many young students read part of a book and turn it in before they finish it. Why? I went to hear an author speak and he said give a writer a chance. Every writer is different and you should give the first 20 pages to get use to the style of writing. I also notice we stop reading to the kids after 5th or 6th grade. I think they need us the most at that time. We should be the example in our reading and continue to motivate them. The author I heard speak also mentioned adolescent do not want to work hard to picture what is in a book. They are use to the TV doing it for them. They have to learn how to get involved in a reading where you imagine every single character and the settings. The mind is beautiful and better then any movie director.