Laura Granger Blog # 3

The article, "Asking the Experts: What Children Have to Say about Their Reading Preferences" by Davilla and Partick was a real eye opener. Not only did the article talk about how adults are generally the ones who pick and chose what a child reads but it goes one step further and breaks down what boys like and what girls like to read. The article states, " Adults control the world of children's literature: adults write the books, adults choose which books to publish...adults purchase the books for their homes, stores, and libraries " (Davilla and Patrick 199). As a future teacher it is really important to have a book nook that is very diverse and meets the needs and interests of all of the students. The first step though before a teacher begins planning a book nook would be to get to know the interests of his/her students. One way to do this is by using surveys in the beginning of the year asking what does the student like to do and what their interests are. If a student sees a book in the selection that they like chances are they are going to pick it up and read it.

The article also mentioned that as students age their love for reading usually decreases. Middle and high school students are told what to read and how to display what they know, whether it be by taking a test or by doing a project. Rarely, do they get the chance to take out a book that they are interested in and read it. If given the chance, I am sad to say that most of them wouldn't know where to start when picking out a book for themselves. It is a teacher's job to help nurture that need for direction but also taking into consideration that maybe not every student wants to read about the Scarlet Letter or The Grapes of Wrath. (which I personally think are both great books but do not meet the needs for every student).

Another point to bring up would be that there are books out there that are very popular with both boys and girls of any age level and any reading level. Harry Potter is a prime example of this because it has something for everyone, action, comedy, suspense, drama, and romance. It was a book that students wanted to read and learn more about because it was fun. Children are supposed to have fun while reading and we need to remember that.