by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe
The one thing you should know about me, is that I LOVE a silly book. I actually love all books. As a voracious reader myself, this lover of books had a sweet child that was a reluctant reader. I had read to my child since birth, and I thought this would be enough to instill a love of reading. It wasn’t.
What ended up hooking this sweet child into reading, was not books that mirrored his interests, although, this is something that works for some. What ended up working was a silly, goofy, potty humour infused graphic novels that motivated him enough to try and improve his skills. This truly highlighted for me that a child must want to read the material they are presented with. Reading is hard work but we want to encourage students to think of it, not as e a chore, but a way to be entertained. Not all students will love a silly story, some will prefer facts, some comics and others fantasy.
What is important is that to reach all students the teacher must model enjoyment of reading. The teacher must be animated, engaging and help students learn in such a way they are not even always aware there is a lesson attached. This animation, clear enunciation and enthusiasm is especially important to help English language learners. It is important to foster the students self of efficacy but this does not have to be a serious business.
Please click on the link to hear my reading of One Hungry Monster by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe.
Heyboer O’Keefe, S. (1989). One hungry monster: a counting book in rhyme. Scholastic Inc.