How to Instill a Love for Reading

I love books.
I love reading.

And this is not to say that I'm the fastest reader, not by any means, but that's OK.
In my opinion, books, at least books of fiction, are not meant to be rushed. I have yet to find a novel that is meant for that. I think books are meant to be lived through, soaked up, we should feel like we're entering a new work when we open them, and stepping back out of that world when we close them. Everyone has a different pace that's right for them, and, as a teacher of literature, I hope to make my students competent, confident readers, and never wish to suggest that anyone's pace is wrong. Books are personal, and so the amount of time each person needs to spend digesting it is personal, too.

My fieldwork teacher has a great way of encouraging reading for enjoyment and at one's own pace among her students. In addition to their classwork, students constantly have a "Read A Book" assignment. This is a book they chose and they are interested in, so it sends the message that reading should be personal and it should be enjoyed. They read at their own pace, and pick a new book upon completion. Instead of being rushed or evaluated, they complete an assignment for their first read a book, and any additional read a book assignments they complete earn them extra credit or a homework pass. I think this is a great way to keep kids reading and to send the message that it's not just for school, it's for one's self. Reading can be a great experience and most of these kids seem to be finding that out because they are able to explore books at their own pace.