You are what you read. The first week of the semester students take the time to introduce themselves through their reading. We call the assignment “Book out of My Past.” Instead of the brief mention of their hobbies and pets, they reflect upon a memorable literary experience. On our class discussion board, students post their fondest reading memories and greatest discoveries. We care less of what the book was about, but more how this reading experience affected them. Often is the case, my students find they are not alone in their appreciation of their selection. You might not judge a book by its cover, but here we learn what is often hidden inside of others.
I enjoy to hit each new semester running. We may not meet in a physical classroom during this Covid era, but our classroom discussion boards encourage dialogue among and between students. Many of my students share their appreciation of Stephen King (right). In King's memoir On Writing, he shares this: “Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates.... or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It's about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.”
I agree. Reading is a lot more fun when you have the opportunity to share it with others, and the more you read, the stronger a student you become. It's called engagement. Each week we learn how to question our texts. Assert our voice. Share out opinions. This I Believe: Our past reading experiences enhance our current reading experience.
To see sample of student first-week book recommendations, go to "Stuff We Read" in the sidebar of this website.
Below I present a list of writing prompts to get our semester rolling:
- What are your thoughts about reading in general. Is it something you like to do? Do you have time for it? Do you have a problem with it? Do you have a secret reading routine?
- What is the title to the "Book Out of Your Past"? The author’s name?
- When did you read this? Where?
- How did you find this book? Did someone recommend it? Did a teacher assign it? What did you think first when you saw the book cover?
- What was the book about?
- Why do you remember it?
- Do you have a favorite part you could summarize and/or explain?
- Would you recommend this book to someone in the class? Who? Why?
- Did you learn something from this reading experience that changed you in any way? Do you now look at anything in your life differently?
Each student is required to reply to at least two of his/her classmates. I know, I know. Classes can become difficult/frustrating/boring when students do all the listening the professor and little of the talking to their classmates. I like this assignment. The discussion board participation carries over to class essay assignments. The writing brings us closer together.
Have fun, I say. See you on the discussion board.
Paz,
JL
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