The Rights of the Reader
This is a new release of a book, first published in French in 1992, but there is nothing outdated in what it says. It reminisces the fun times of reading to your children as they first discover the delights of books. Then it recognises the sometimes rushed finishes of nighttime reads… It ponders the busyness of school, and the demands we place on students to understand what the words say, as our children first begin school. And how this continues as school life progresses…
Pennac then ponders when and why children lose interest in reading as a recreational activity. Do YOU remember the days (or nights) when you were actually told to STOP reading (under the covers, by torchlight, or because you had homework to do)? And now, do you spend too much time asking your kids to interpret what they are reading daily for school? Do your kids actually spend time just enjoying reading? Do you ever read aloud to your kids – even though they are in high school? Do you like to be READ ALOUD to?
A recent article in the Times stated that ‘there was a clear link between reading for pleasure and academic performance, not just in English, but across the whole curriculum’, and that ‘reading enjoyment is more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socioeconomic status.’ (Alexandra Frean. 160 books on must-read list for boys – full of blood, guts and class heroes. The Times , May 16, 2007) Isn’t it time we all discovered the joy of reading for reading’s sake again?
Create a free edublog to get your own comment avatar (and more!)
