I have often considered myself to be an avid reader. The opportunity to transport yourself into different times, situations and even worlds has been a great draw to me at certain times of my life. As a youth, the appeal was especially strong as the dramas common to that age reached a fevered pitch. I remember devouring action, adventure, mystery and especially fantasy books as I sought a reprieve from the day to day grind. I'm sure many individuals thought I was 'nerdy,' but at the time I didn't know it so I didn't care. Overall, I felt myself to be a 'good' reader considering the accelerated reader tests (I'm not sure if they have those any more) proved not to be much of a problem.
As I've matured my taste for literature has changed. I find myself much more enthralled by the authors use of language and symbolism than even the story line. A good example comes from the writings of my favorite author, John Steinbeck. Steinbeck's ability to tell an ordinary story in an extraordinary way is what I most love about his books. I still consider myself to be a 'good' reader even though I don't have the opportunity to be tested as often.
As a future educator I honestly believe everyone has the potential to be a 'good' and avid reader. While not all my future students will have the same desire to read that I did, I feel it apart of my goals and philosophies to encourage the practice of reading. I feel that by giving students access to interesting, gritty and human primary source documents, I will be able to foster the kind of reading necessary for success in the discipline of history. By making the material relevant to the present, and to the student, I feel their desire to know and understand the readings will increase. I plan on spending much of my classroom time devoted to classroom discussion where students will have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings concerning their readings, thus making the material their own.
