As we disussed in class, boys are apparently supposed to be more interested in nonfiction, and girls are supposed to be more interested in fiction. However, I for one have always been much more interested in fiction than nonfiction. I am actually a bigtime fan of fantasy novels and have enjoyed reading works by C.S. Lewis, JRR Tolkien, and JK Rowling. In fact, one of my favorite books for summer reading was The Hobbit. Another summer reading favorite of mine was the Scarlet Pimpernel, and my all-time favorite in-class reading (which I believe happened in middle school, was a short story called "The Most Dangerous Game." These stories have several things in common, including action, suspense, and wit. I suppose that the idea of escaping into an entirely different world has always fascinated me. This is not at all because I have anything against my life in this world, it is just “cool” to explore the imagination.
I had always been considered a pretty good reader throughout elementary, middle, and high school. If there were any negatives, then it would have been some difficulties I had in reading comprehension, especially in textbook reading. I went through a rough period of time in sixth grade when I would try to read a line in my textbook, then immediately forget what that line was talking about. I would try so hard to understand at the minutest level what the text was talking about that I would just get more and more frustrated. I had to learn to focus on the overall message of a particular sentence or paragraph before this issue began to improve.
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2 comments:
Hi Bill,
I like the point you make about what boys and girls are “supposed” to be more interested in reading. I can definitely understand why you like fiction. I personally think many fiction novels provide action and suspense that boys would enjoy. I also like how you discussed the frustration you had with comprehension. I think this is an area many students struggle with, including myself. I remember times in school when I would read a sentence over and over again and still have no idea what it meant. I think by teaching students comprehension strategies and by allowing them to choose the book they want to read will help foster their understanding of the text and keep them engaged.
I must say, I certainly agree with you that when you do not comprehend what you are reading, it could be extremely discouraging, especially at a young age! I think that every student goes though a stage where they read something and the understanding of the passage becomes completely lost. It is important to express difficulties with reading comprehension, because your teacher should be able to give you techniques/ advice on how to comprehend better.
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