Blog Post #2 - Reading, the Lost Art and New Educational Varieties

Why Read?

            Reading is a fundamental cornerstone of education and, arguably, civilization.  The ability to read provides access to an enormous amount of information.  But, the ability to read well allows one to comprehend and apply information in useful and meaningful ways.  There is a vast array of literary fiction and non-fiction works that I believe are more than worth our time to read, analyze, and discuss.  Unfortunately, it would seem that common cultural trends in entertainment have assisted in making the art of reading less popular and increasingly infrequent.  As a future educator it is my goal to make a contribution to turning this trend around.  It is my desire that students not only become interested in reading, but that they learn the value of reading.  Reading well requires experience, patience, and insight.  In short, it is an art.  To help students begin to discover the importance of reading it is paramount that educators get students interested in reading. The rest of this blog post is dedicated to discussing the variety of texts and genres that will hopefully encourage students to pull themselves away from their televisions and computers and pick up a book.

 Muse reading a scroll, perhaps Clio (Attic red-figure lekythos, Boeotia c. 435–425 BC). Public domain.

Expanding Reading Variety and the Ontario Curriculum

            Since I am a teacher candidate in Ontario it is important that I understand and abide by The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Language.  The document states, “By reading widely, students will develop a richer vocabulary and become more attuned to the conventions of written language.  Reading various kinds of texts in all areas of the curriculum will also help students to discover what interests them most and to pursue and develop their interests and abilities.”[i]  In my opinion, the key importance of this passage is that educators should be expanding their students’ reading interest and the variety of text made available to them.

            When I was a younger student graphic novels were the first genre I gained a passion for reading.  At the time this genre was not commonly accepted as a valid form of reading education.  Fortunately, times have changed and this genre is no longer as taboo in educational circles.  It is my belief that graphic novels are appealing to students because they offer a form of differentiated learning.  The text found in graphic novels is accompanied by vivid imagery which is both engaging and entertaining for students.  This format provides students with the ability to associate words, thoughts, and feelings, with corresponding images portraying these actions.  In our current era graphic novels have an expansive variety of content and are no longer limited to superheroes with capes.  Some offer some serious discussion and thoughtful commentary ranging from historical events (see Maus) to current developments in theoretical science (see Black Science).  Often graphic novels offer intricate plots steeped in moral lessons.  They portray friendships, conflicts, obstacles, goals, and many other relevant life lessons.  I also think they provide an excellent means to getting students hooked on reading at an early age.  Hopefully, if such an interest is established, it will influence a student's desire to read other literary genres.

            A good place to find free graphic novels online for students to enjoy and explore is: www.techsupportalert.com/free-books-comics This site provides over one hundred free titles to explore.

The Assassination Of Franz Ferdinand. Ana Santo. Centrifugal Stories. 

Fantasy, Sci-Fi, or Mystery?

            While I think graphic novels are a good way to get students interested in reading, I also think that fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery novels have a similar effect.  As with graphic novels, the fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery genres have often been excluded from literary educational settings.  I think this is unfortunate as the popularity of these genres is enormous.  In the recent past an entire generation of children have been raised on the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  Currently, J.R.R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice (more popularly known as Game of Thrones) series are making record sales and receiving vast acclaim.  Growing up, I loved reading the mystery novels by Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, or the adventures of the Hardy Boys.  As for Sci-fi, Douglas Adam's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy must be one the most hilarious and creative series of books I have ever had the privilege of reading.  If students are interested in these kinds of books I think educators should provide encouragement for reading them.  The point is to get students interested in reading and to build a desire in them to continue reading.  The more enjoyable we can make this experience for them the more likely they will adopt the practice in their own time.  Therefore, I believe that expanding the availability of literary genres to suit student interests is a necessary practice for educators of literacy.  This is especially true in an age where the competition of digital entertainment is overwhelming and the value of reading is often overlooked.
           All the books mentioned should be available at your local library.  But if reading online is more your thing I found a site called  Free Novels Online that provides many books covering the genres I mention above and more.
            A link to free sci-fi novels
            A link to free mystery novels
            A link to free fantasy novels

The Hardy Boys. Stratemeyer Syndicate. 1927.

Final Thoughts

            While this post has focused on getting students interested in reading, it is also important that they begin to understand and analyse what they are reading.  That is, placing what they read in context, identifying relationships (e.g. moral, cultural, historical, etc.), and develop critical thinking.  My genius hour blog is a project dedicated to analyzing fictional literature using philosophical texts.  The connections made between philosophy and fiction might be interesting to students, further expanding their reading variety and critical skills.  This might prove a useful tool for students to use and explore.

Click here to go to my Genius Hour Project

---

[i] The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Language.  Ministry of Education. 2006. 10.