“Don’t take my word. There is plenty of research out there that confirms that readers are formed out of their experiences.”
Do you remember Lincoln Logs? With practice, one learns that the construction will not sustain, or even topple, without consideration of the foundational pieces. Building the foundation for lifelong reading requires the same thought. What are the “sturdy foundational pieces” crucial to the development of lifelong reading?
This week, Teri Lesesne shares Chapter 12 from her book Reading Ladders, which provides insight into the parallels between building with Lincoln Logs and building lifelong readers. She provides research as well as describes her own connections and observations leading to four foundational pieces to building a lifelong reader:
- Reading Aloud
- Access to Books
- Models of Literacy
- Time to Read
As you read this chapter, try to recall your own “Lincoln Logs,” or lack thereof, that contributed to your reading life. Do you also have the physical memories and anecdotes of engaging with books as a child?
Teri tells us: “Readers are made, not born.” What Lincoln Logs can you bring into your classroom to support the creation of lifelong readers? Share your memories below in comments, on Twitter or on Facebook.
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