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The Late Bloomer’s Path to Becoming a Reader by Gigi McAllister
Unlike many teachers, growing up I was that quiet, painfully shy girl who never participated and lived in fear that everyone would find out that I was dumb. I was the one who could not understand what I read because it was all just words to me. Well I’m grown up now and I am really angry!
I have read many children’s book blogs to find new books for my students and to read inspirational stories. Most of them are wonderfully positive stories describing people who were born with a silver book in their hand or were reading Little Women at age 5 and haven’t stopped since. I am green with envy as I read about adults who grew up as voracious readers and how books helped influence and shape their lives. I am so happy for them, but this was not my path. My path to become a reader was paved with shame, disappointment and self-doubt.
Reading was not really part of my childhood. Sure, I had to read in school, but I was reminded, by my constant failure, that I was not a good reader. My teachers “demoted” me to the “low” reading group in what I assume was an attempt to help me, but it just made me feel more stupid. I felt like they did not expect much of me and I lived up to those expectations. I just didn’t get it. I would try to read my little blue basal reader, but try as I might, it just didn’t click. No one ever showed me that books could be wonderful escapes and reading could actually be fun, NO ONE!
So what’s the big deal? I can obviously read now. What did I really miss?
Well…A LOT!
I missed out on being a super sleuth with Nancy Drew or Harriet from Harrietthe Spy. Ramona and I never got into trouble together in Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series and I never watched Charlotte save her friend Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web. I also missed Judy Blume! What was the early 80”s for a young girl without Judy Blume? Ok I did read Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret to see what the big deal was, but I missed out on sharing fears with Sheila Tubman in Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. I would have loved to hold hands with Mary Lenox in the pages of The Secret Garden. And traveling to Narnia with Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy in The Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis would have been amazing. I could go on and on.
I did not become a reader until I started teaching in my early twenties.. When I understood what all the fuss was about, and realized what I had missed, I felt cheated
We teachers need to remember that yes, we need to teach skills and strategies like cause and effect, sequencing and author’s purpose. But we must never forget that it is our ultimate job to inspire and help create lifelong readers. So let’s keep the emphasis on the books! I’m sure you can find at least one student just like me each year in your class. Please show her (or him) that there is more to reading than just reading words. Show your students that reading can entertain you, inspire you and change you…forever.
Gigi McAllister is a fourth grade teacher in Maine. She lives with her husband and two adorable children. She may be a late bloomer, but she is making up for lost time. Gigi admits to being a children’s book addict and is thankful that her understanding and supportive husband does not get too upset about her monthly Amazon bill. Feel free to visit Gigi’s recently launched blog at http://thelatebloomersbookblog.blogspot.com.
Nerdy Book Club 
Your post is a great reminder of the joy of reading.
I learned to read early but didn’t learn what great books were out there until I went to college. I try hard to promote books in my classroom with the attitude that I can find something for everyone. The best compliment I have ever received was from a struggling student who started the year telling me how much he hated reading. At the end of the year he told me he hated me because I had taught him to love books. I want that kind of hate every year.
A wonderful post, Gigi! You are spot on — teaching students to love REAL books is the key to them becoming lifelong readers. You are an inspiration to students and teachers alike 🙂
You truly understand what it takes to inspire young readers! What a powerful message you send to our students each and every day! Amazing!!!!!
Gig, I loved reading your perspective! It’s always good to be reminded that inspiring a love of reading should be our ultimate goal! Keep up the great work, my friend!
Great post, Gigi. I think it’s so important for teachers to remember that not all kids are born readers. (I, too, was a late bloomer!)
Dear Gigi,
I LOVE the late bloomers, reluctant readers, struggling readers, distracted students – or what every you call them! I look forward to meeting them at the beginning of the school year in my second grade class. Why? Because I know there is a reader in every child – it’s just my job to light that fire, make that connection, find the right book and turn them into a book lover. So, don’t you worry – even though I have been part of the nerdy book club since forever, I understand that some students need a little more time. And I am patient. Thanks for reminding us to not overlook those shy or reluctant readers!
Your reminder will be shared with my teacher colleagues-well said & thanks.
Thank you all for your comments. I hope your school years are off to a great start.
Like you, I was an extremely shy child who did not see the importance of reading until I was an adult. I rarely contributed to a classroom discussion and feared being called on even though I usually knew the answer. Most teachers responded in an ineffective manner. I was either intimidated by their harshness or disappointed by their avoidance. A few tried to reach me halfway. Those remarkable teachers made a difference in my life. I am grateful for their efforts. It sounds like your childhood experiences will enable you to be one of those admirable teachers.
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Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished
to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Thank you very much.
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