Really, the only defensible goal of learning to read in school is not to increase yearly test scores, but to help children become eager, daily readers of self-selected books.

Really, the only defensible goal of learning to read in school is not to increase yearly test scores, but to help children become eager, daily readers of self-selected books.
For children to become fully literate, we must provide them with books in which they see themselves.
Book time qualifies as special time that shouldn’t be interrupted.
How do some kids score as proficient on yearly tests while the large majority don’t?
Learning the WHY of print is essential for children to become effective, lifelong readers and writers.
When adults share their own stories with children, connections are built between people and literacy learning is nurtured.
Reading books with children and talking about what you read invites exploration of feelings and offers long-lasting permission to discuss all of life’s topics.
When children have their own books kept on a special shelf, they learn that books are valuable treasures.
I begin most days by reading the news. I read our local paper and a bit of national ones. I like to “keep up,” as us info junkies say. When I’m involved in something that prohibits my ability to read, I’ll listen to the news. I especially enjoy The New York Times online version’s invitation […]
As a child in Iowa, there were no racial minorities in my neighborhood and the values and family practices discussed in the school books were utterly White American. That didn’t mean that I was the middle of anything.