Parents: Do you have a reluctant reader?

I have learned through my own experience as a mom of a reluctant reader that it takes extra work and perseverance to get a reluctant reader to enjoy books. When my child was in elementary school she didn't enjoy reading, yet she did enjoy being read to. So every night at bedtime, I read to her. Nightly read alouds became our special time. When I started reading chapter books to her, we both looked forward to reading the next chapters each night to find out what would happen next. I also took her to the local library and to bookstores to select books. I let her choose what to read and if she didn't want to continue with a book, I allowed her to choose another book. I did everything that I could to make her experience with books enjoyable. Now that she is in middle school she has been reading more on her own and she even refers to herself a "bookworm." I still read to her though, and since I work at an elementary school, I often share a picture book that is silly or one that has great illustrations. I feel that reading together throughout her childhood has been a wonderful experience for us both!

Where have I been?

I have not posted since I started my job as a media specialist. I've thought about posting, but for one thing, I have had time. And it also seems like I have too much to write. How can I condense these days and weeks into a post or two? I will start by saying this: I love the kids at my school. They are wonderful. I also admire and respect the teachers that I work with. Our school is filled with talent. It gives me a lot to live up to as an educator. I am also fortunate to have a county with a Media Services department that is made up of amazing, supportive individuals. "Wow," is all I can say in describing them.

It hasn't been an easy road though. I was thrown off guard by a situation that took place in the first couple of weeks that completely took the wind out of my sails...at least for a month or so. I'm now in recovery mode, but I still wonder what I may have stepped into.
When I'm with my students though, I feel like I'm in the right place.