I’m so happy to be linking up with Tammy and her Saturday Sayings. I try not to miss any, because I love how reflective they are. To be great teachers I feel we need to take regular time-outs to reflect on our practice…
…and, as this quote by Townsend suggests, to make the time to read.
As I was flipping through Miller’s The Book Whisperer I came upon this quote and it stopped me in my tracks.
I used to be an extremely dedicated reader. I have a reading journal to prove it. I would read up to 65 books a year, and this didn’t include my Runner’s World magazines (which I read cover-to-cover) or any of the incidental reading we all do during the day.
I say “used to”, not because I don’t read as much, but because my reading habits have changed. I find I spend much more time reading blogs and “How To” tutorials to help me with my new found designing passion. But as valuable as I believe this kind of reading to be, it doesn’t push me to be a deeper thinker. I feel like I’m grabbing little sound bites of information all day instead of big chunks of chewy thoughts and words that force me to slow down a little and really think things through.
I know that as time goes on our interests change, but I don’t ever want to find myself drifting away from reading literature. As with everything, it’s about getting your priorities straight.
The same holds true in the classroom, of course. We need to make time for daily, quiet, reflective reading as well as lots and lots of read-alouds so that we can instill the love of reading in our students at an early age.
Please click on Tammy’s button and hop over to read what she has to say today. You won’t be disappointed.
Happy Reading, everyone!
So profound and just what I needed to hear. Thanks so much, Barb!
Yes, exactly. I was just thinking about how different my reading at night is from my blog reading. It's hard to make time for everything, but we must carve out the time for these important things. Thanks for the reminder.KimberleyFirst in Maine
This is such a great reminder! I always carve out time for my own reading, but sometimes if time is running short I skip it in the classroom. I think I should be skipping less important things like math…Just kidding!!JennyOwl Things First
I'm sad to say that my computer reading has affected my book reading too. That's hard to admit, because I'm a big book reader. This must change! (I've got a reading log to prove it as well.) So does this mean you're reading Donalyn's book now? 🙂 Thank you for challenging us all to look at our own reading as well as the reading in our classrooms. I'm so glad you joined me today. I love the way you think!❀ TammyForever in First
Barb, I sadly have had the same problem. I devoured book after book. Took my Nook everywhere. Now that I am blogging, like you said, I am still reading but in bite size portions. I still read books, but the minutes spent each day in them has decreased. Thanks for the reminder to get back to that and to be sure to be encouraging reflective reading in the classroom!LoriConversations in Literacy
Great quote Barb! I love to read blogs, but they are like snacks! They just don't satisfy like a good long book. I read before bed, so my routine supports my habit. I believe our school routines need to schedule time for students to just read!LiteracyMinute
I'm guilty too. My blog world reading has affected my literature reading. And it 's also bothering me. Goal for self: pick a couple \”good\” books, buy them and put aside more bedtime reading time. Thanks Barb.sandirubberboots and elf shoes
I read every night before I go to bed and try so hard to keep that habit alive. But I use to read all the time even during the day. But I find myself on the computer way more during those times or zoned out in front of the television. I love the visual you gave by saying \”big chunks of chewy thoughts.\” thanks for sharing.Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Klass
Wow, I could have written the exact same things! I subscribe to SO many blogs, that when I'm reading them, I feel like it's a race against time to stay caught up. I do try to read every night before bed, and when I don't, I find it harder to fall asleep. Here's to keeping the love of reading alive! :)GAYLATeach On.
Thanks for sharing this Barabara! Love that quote…really makes you think about how you spend your free time. MarieThe Hands-On Teacher in First!
Oh I love this quote! Although I don't have a difficult time reading….it often keeps me from doing anything else! I told my class that I read a book a day, during the summer and challenged them kids to do the same. A couple of them actually did it!LaurieChickadee Jubilee
I love to read!! Since I'm also going to school, much of my reading is in the form of text books and journal articles. If I'm traveling, I always try and bring some fun books! In 2012, I managed to read some great books from new authors. My favorite was Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin. Hopefully, 2013 will be even more fun reading!!!BridgetLiteracy Without Worksheets
I am a book lover too! I try to make time to read at night before bed and will often read on the weekend while laying in bed in the morning. I am a member of Goodreads…an online way to keep track of books that you have read, are reading and want to read. i am often inspired by seeing what my other readaholics are doing!! Like the reast of you teachers, I read more in the summer but I have found that being in a book club has kept me motivated and given me the added bonus of being able to talk about books with some pretty terrific ladies. Our latest book club selection is Invisible by Carla Buckley. Check it out!!!!Lori @Bee the ChangeMrs. Faas’ First Grade
I, too, love to read, but find it only happens over longer breaks. I get so into the books that its hard to put them down. I did start reading The Book Whisperer on Wednesday and love it so far:)TammyThe Resourceful Apple
Fabulous quote from Townsend. I really should obey it!
What a great quote! It's so true. I also used to read all the time. I think, like you said, we read so much for work that it's just not fun for me anymore. I challenged myself to actually read some books this summer and read 5! It's a start. 🙂NotJustChild'sPlay
I love it Barb…so true! I never read anymore – especially since tpt and blogging. Good reminder.Vicky Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After
SO true! 😀
You are so right! Diving into a good book does push us to be deeper thinkers and it's something that we really should make time for. I love to read! I'm trying to carve out some time each night to read a chapter or two at least, but it's hard! (I type this from bed, so it's not working so well!) Kate