I am excited to announce Bonnie Vest as a guest blogger! Bonnie and I have had numerous conversations about our own reading lives and now I would like to share part of her journey.
Bio
I graduated from Berry College in 1990. I began my career teaching kindergarten and
taught until my children were born. Once
they were older, I went back to school and returned to teaching
kindergarten. Moving due to my husband’s
job, my next venture was with second grade and then eventually with special
education. The last three years, I have
taught 5th grade. No matter
the grade, the goal and the needs are the same.
Our students, more than anything, need to know that someone is in their
corner.
What is your background/history as a reader?
As a
child, I did not read much. We always read out of the reading book at school. I
loved when we would come to a play but other than that, I had better things to
do. What I considered reading, my mother did not. I loved to read how to books
and comic books but my mother did not consider that reading. She would choose the book for me to read and
sit next to me watching and tell me when to actually turn the page. No, I am
not kidding. The summer between 5th and 6th grade, I
discovered Judy Blume’s, Are you there God? It’s Me Margaret. I remember
reading all day and not putting it down. I felt like she was reading my mind as
I read. Never did I know you could relate to the written word. As the years went by and continued through
school I hated reading anything assigned but loved choosing my own books. Of
course, I learned to read to make the grades J. In college, I
had to take Literature for Teachers. Our main assignment was reading as many children’s
books as we could and write about them. I loved reading all the picture books
and children’s literature I could get my hands on. It was so amazing to read
these books and relive my childhood. I never knew most of them existed!
Where are you now as a reader?
I am making up for lost time! In addition to every picture
books for every occasion, I have been reading all the upper elementary
literature I can get my hands on! These kids are so lucky to have such great
books out there to read! TV use to be my end of the day relaxation but that has
been replaced with the latest great book I have picked up. My family laughs at
me as I tell them about the characters and which student would like the book.
How has your reading life impacted your instruction this year?
My students and I talk about books every day. We discuss
characters, plot and setting through casual conversation, not the random
worksheet. As I read, I think about my students and what they are living
through. As I choose books, I have them in mind. I have also stopped myself
from doing what I hated as a kid. They are able to read whatever they choose. I
have kids who love how to books, dinosaur books, graphic novels and the list
continues. The joy on their faces and the growth that has taken place in their
ability makes every day worth it.
