Vignette

      As I think back to my experiences with reading as a child, there is one book that stood out above the rest.  This book was Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. I was about five when my mother began to read that book to me.  Until the day came when I could read it to her, only I wasn't really reading the book.  I was merely reciting it from memory.  I had memorized the whole book, and I even knew when to turn the pages.  My excitement grew as I began to read (recite) the book to others.

     My next memory of literacy was in the fourth grade.  We were reading Sarah Plain and Tall.  In class we would round robin read, so I was able to count until my turn came and only read that part assigned to me.  Since I knew when my turn was coming I only had to know what my paragraph said.  I never really read the book; I only acted like I was following along.

     It wasn't until I took a college elementary literacy class that the joy of reading came back.  In class we were able to read the books we chose, and make up activities to help children learn to read.  It was those exercises that sparked my interest in literacy once again.

     Reading is an important part in education.  It has the ability to reach the diversity that is in each classroom.  Since I began my education classes I have had the opportunity to read a variety of children's books, and each one is unique.  In teaching I want to create an atmosphere where children are excited about reading, and having the opportunity to do so.