It’s not a secret that reading is an area of contention for most youth and adults alike.
Whether you read one book a year or one a month- reading is reading no matter the medium, and the benefits are surely worth it.
I work with a population of youth that attends alternative schooling. These children will often come to our program outwardly against reading, sharing that they haven’t read a book in years. Little do they know, it is my personal mission for them to successfully leave the residential program having read at least one book. Since taking foot on that mission, each resident has been discharged with the confidence to say they’ve read a new book.
In elementary school, I hated reading. I would cry looking at books and would catch myself reading the same lines over and over, hoping I’d somehow skip to the end. My mom tried everything she could to not only engage me in my schoolwork without crying but to genuinely enjoy reading. Someone along the way told my mom that to get me reading, she had to go to my level. She had to find what interested me, and let that build my confidence. At the time, that was a compilation of teen magazines and American Girl doll books. I read articles about the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and filled out one too many quizzes telling me which celebrity I could end up with. I read about American history through the lens of fictional female characters, how to become a good babysitter and how to take care of my body. Over time, I fell in love with reading. While I go through periods of not reading much, and then others of a book per week- I would consider myself an avid reader.
Reading takes me away to a place where I am able to compartmentalize my life and focus on the wonder in front of me. I can escape to stories that aren’t my own, become inspired by world leaders, or learn new ways to manage my anxiety.
Not only do books bring me a great deal of comfort but they have increased my vocabulary, allowed me to understand various perspectives, problem solve and increased my sense of imagination. These are the things I want my residents to absorb.
Reading is important for a child's development, especially for those who already have difficulties communicating, utilizing healthy coping skills, and managing their emotions.
No matter what they read, the text allows them to enter a space that can inspire and build their confidence all while developing their minds.
So, how do I carry out my secret mission in making sure the residents discharge having read at least one book?
1.Teamwork
I’ve asked every youth if they like to read, and if they say, “no,” I guarantee that I will be able to work alongside them to find at least one book they may enjoy and are interested in. Once I give a resident a book and tell them, “I think you might really enjoy this,” they will either read the entire thing and tell me I was wrong, or they will read it and beg me to go to the library. Sometimes they may get a few pages in, and request another book - or swear off reading. In this case, we try again with a different book. Building a connection with each resident allows me to gauge their reading style and topic interests, which helps me to find something they’d likely find pleasure in reading.
2. Words are words mentality
It’s quite possible that English teachers will tell me I’m wrong, but a word is a word no matter the medium. Even if your youth becomes hooked on graphic novels or comics, there are still words they have to internalize and make sense of. Once they get wrapped into a storyline, they gain more confidence and can usually end up building up reading comfort and levels. This is especially the case if they enjoy a particular theme or author. Reading is often taken as an all-or-nothing mentality; you either read, or you don’t. This shouldn’t be the case and is not how I go about things.
3.Give them access
Accessibility is often a huge barrier. Enable to read, you have to have the resources to do so. Getting books from your local library is dependent on the ability to get there whether it’s having someone to drive you or an easy bus route. Simultaneously purchasing or reading books from the computer is also dependent on internet accessibility. Some libraries even have hefty fees that accrue over time. Slowly, libraries are dismissing all library fees just for this reason; fees create fear, therefore a barrier to reading.
My local library branch created the LEAP program, which allows any youth enrolled in our local school system to check out 2 books at a time without a library card.
Because of my connection and knowledge of the library, my hope is to bridge the gap between the youth, and an endless supply of books. As part of my mission, I take the residents of the program to the library at least once a week.
4. Follow up
I check in! I’m always curious about the stories they are reading and how they feel about the themes and messages. When I follow up with them, it shows them I care. What kid doesn’t want to feel cared about? Also, when I follow up with them, I am able to better help them pick out their next book.
It’s only natural for us to want to feel cared for and appreciated; at the end of the day, I’ve learned that our self-efficacy is rooted in confidence. The connection I form with the residents at my job is sustained by care and living by example. Helping them find their confidence as readers, enables me to help them find their confidence throughout other aspects of their lives. All of this may sound silly, but I know it to be true. What my mother did for me, is what I do for my youth today. This little mission of mine isn’t just about reading; reading is just the instrument to much greater imagination, success, and confidence.
So proud of you!