I really like this deep dive into “lost” and “found” readers, Terry. Question: What are your thoughts about transforming lost readers into found? I think it’s possible (maybe), depending on pedagogy, but a hard task for most teachers and kids in high school. I also wonder if the pacing is different for boys and girls - or the cutoff point depends on when kids get smart phones.
Great questions, Martha! Yes, lost readers can be turned into found readers in a formal, mentored, Language Arts classroom with a budget for a classroom library, hard copy, and a good school librarian. We did it in 1994-1995 when I did my dissertation research. Lost readers need community. Teachers who see it as as "hard task" likely won't have the understanding to follow through with the pedagogy required. Middle school kids need teachers with strong knowledge of current YAL books. Teachers must read the same books the kids are reading. Just reverse ng what we now do--make the kids read the books the teacher wants them to read. I have no doubt a confirmed and proud lost reader can be converted to a reader in six months with the proper mentoring. Remember--you can't "teach" someone to volunteer for a complex, time-consuming vocation, you can't "preach"someone into reading for pleasure. You can, however, invite them in, welcome their participation, scaffold their strategies.
I really like this deep dive into “lost” and “found” readers, Terry. Question: What are your thoughts about transforming lost readers into found? I think it’s possible (maybe), depending on pedagogy, but a hard task for most teachers and kids in high school. I also wonder if the pacing is different for boys and girls - or the cutoff point depends on when kids get smart phones.
Great questions, Martha! Yes, lost readers can be turned into found readers in a formal, mentored, Language Arts classroom with a budget for a classroom library, hard copy, and a good school librarian. We did it in 1994-1995 when I did my dissertation research. Lost readers need community. Teachers who see it as as "hard task" likely won't have the understanding to follow through with the pedagogy required. Middle school kids need teachers with strong knowledge of current YAL books. Teachers must read the same books the kids are reading. Just reverse ng what we now do--make the kids read the books the teacher wants them to read. I have no doubt a confirmed and proud lost reader can be converted to a reader in six months with the proper mentoring. Remember--you can't "teach" someone to volunteer for a complex, time-consuming vocation, you can't "preach"someone into reading for pleasure. You can, however, invite them in, welcome their participation, scaffold their strategies.