Good Day:
I now have an explanation for what happened to me and my desire to read at will for pleasure. I was caught in the tsunami of over-teaching and mandated assignments every time I was asked to read, after the 7th grade. Prior to entrance into the 8th grade I truly did enjoy reading and really looked forward to every summer so that I could participate in the annual summer reading clubs. I did experience “reading flow” and “having to come up for air”. But, unfortunately, I have not had that experience but twice since 7th grade. Now, I am not a reader. I read books when I am required. I only read now for pertinent information and not necessary for pleasure. I have arrived at this point in my life because the joy of reading, for reading sake, was systematically drilled out of me in Junior High, High School, and College. Every time I was asked to read there was a boat load of requirements and analyzing that accompanied the assignment. Thus, I began to read to complete the assignments and not to enjoy the book. I have not read but 3 books since I graduated college. We in education need to put the joy back into reading by allowing students time to read without the requiring of immediate & persistent assessment demands. Give them some freedom and space. I think we will get more out of our students if we just let them have more ownership in their reading experience rather than instructors having all of the control and say so. I know it would have made a major difference in my life’s reading experiences.
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