VIGNETTE

            I remember my first steps into my literacy future.  It was Kindergarten.  My teacher placed small cards on a metal shower hook.  On those cards were the most magical things . . . words!  Each week we would add three new words to learn such as a, an, dog, car, be, and the.  We practiced writing those words over and over again.  At the end of the year, I was able to recognize every word on that ring.  I was starting to read and write.  I was so happy and proud of myself!

            I don’t remember my parents reading to me as a child.  They didn’t realize how important it was for me.  I do remember my dad bringing home boxes full of books from libraries that were closing.  I was so excited to see all those books.  I would sit for hours reading them.  I was amazed by one book about mermen, not mermaids.  I loved that book!  When I was little, I would read “The Pokey Little Puppy” and “There’s a Monster at The End of This Book” to my little sisters.  I felt like such a big girl to be reading to them.

            My love for reading faded away during middle school.  When I was a junior in high school, I found it again.  That was the first year that the teacher allowed us to pick a book on which to do our junior paper.  Of course, I picked a book that was banned.  A lot of us seemed to pick banned books that year.  My parents gave me permission and the school allowed me to do my paper on Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. I also did my senior paper on another Hesse book.  Hesse was so passionate about his writing.  I was curious to read more of his books because they reflected his own life.  I enjoyed my English class so much.  I had a wonderful teacher.  She was also a professor at the University of Louisville.  We studied Shakespeare.  She was so good at explaining his writings.  She taught us about 3.5 essays.  I still use this format at times to do quick papers.  She inspired you to be a better reader and writer!

            Now I’m married and have children.  I just don’t have the time to read or write for enjoyment.  This summer was the first time in nine years that I picked up a book to read for enjoyment.  It was a wonderful thing!  Even though my children are not old enough to read yet, I’m proud to say that my children would rather have a book than a toy.  That thrills my heart!  Every night we read two books before we go to bed.  After we read, my children take the book and pretend they are reading to me.  They have the story memorized.  I want my children to be excited about reading and writing.  I also hope that I can help my students to be excited about reading and writing too!