Reading IS Fundamental

4/5/2019

In an article, "Study: Children Whose Parents Don't Read To Them Enter Kindergarten With A 'Million-Word' Vocabulary Gap," the title speaks for itself in revealing to the world the cost that is paid when people don't read.

It's sad.

As an English teacher, I noticed that each time I assigned a text to read, I got more moans and groans and less reception to the task. So I asked why. I was devastated when more than half of the teens I teach, including advanced academics students, proudly admitted they hate reading. One of the issues with reading in the demographic in which I teach is opportunity and access to quality literature. Teens said it's boring, irrelevant and outdated. While I do believe the outdated "canon" should be studied, teens need more contemporary works paired, added or spiraled with the Shakespeares, Melvilles, Thoreaus, Waldens and Hemingways of old.

Nevertheless, their honesty explained why I have 17- and 18-year old near-adults who read and write on a 4th or 5th grade level (and projecting their skill at that level is generous). It made me want to cry. What's worse is that when I attended professional development training, many English teachers also openly admitted that they do not like reading and/or do not assign novel studies in their classrooms!

It's devastating. Curable. But devastating.

As a possible solution, in October, 2018, I created an organization called #BrownTeensRead for the sole purpose of hosting fun, engaging and relevant events that appeal to teens and get them interested or re-interested in reading! With the right support, we will also offer professional development to teachers to show them how to effectively implement literature studies in their classrooms.

Unfortunately, we're only a small piece in a larger puzzle. Check out these other facts: from The Literacy Project:

“20% of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage.”
“50% of American adults can’t read a book written at an eighth grade level.”
“Six out of ten American households do not buy a single book in an entire year.”
“85% of juvenile offenders have problems reading.”
“Three out of five people in American prisons can’t read.”
Some states look at how well current elementary schools perform on reading tests to help determine the number of beds future prisons will require. It comes full circle.
One in four children grow up without learning how to read.
Three out of four food stamp recipients perform in the lowest two literacy levels.

So what does reading mean to you? How do these statistics effect you? Can you read well? If not, why not? What do you plan to do about it? (And please don't say you don't need to know how to read to make money or be rich because that's a whole other blog post.) Do you have younger siblings who struggle with or cannot read? What will you do about it?

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., Apr. 7, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

M. Hollywood 2nd

4/6/2019 05:55:45 am

I have a younger cousin who struggles reading simple material. He often feels inferior to his younger brother who is now able to read better than him. Knowing that literacy rates affect prisons makes me want to help all those who can’t read. Although students don’t like to read it’s because we don’t feel like we can relate to the text. To often the assignment that we are given are something that we are simply not interested in. I think if the subjects of the books were something we were interested in we would want to read it more.

S. Sanders- 1st Period

4/6/2019 11:49:45 am

I think seeing the statistics helps to realize what would’ve made a difference to my reading habit. Also, makes me see why me and my younger brother both do not comprehend as easy because we miss out on reading, which builds on more knowledge to understand. There’s a movie, Ben Carson story where the mother made the boys read all the time and he was the first black neurosurgeon doctor, as they didn’t get to watch much TV. When they did it was Jeopardy, which enhanced their reading comprehension.

M. Cain 2nd

4/7/2019 11:59:14 pm

I agree the statistics make it real. Reading truly is fundamental and without it you skill set isn’t as high.

Z. Crawford

4/8/2019 04:54:30 am

That's my problem it's not that I don't know how to read I just hardly comprehend what I have read.

T. falls 6th

4/8/2019 09:35:03 am

Honestly seeing the statistics really do make it more eye opening but at the the same time answers so many questions I previously had.

T.Harris 6th

4/8/2019 10:13:21 am

I feel all you need is the right book to catch your attention. Books can be quite boring but if you know your interest you will help yourself in many ways.

J Mills 2nd pd.

4/8/2019 11:54:13 am

I agree because seeing statics also helps me not only in reading but with multiple aspects. It gives me an idea of where I stand compared to statistics of others.

T. Jones 2nd

4/7/2019 09:24:15 pm

I agree that we are not as interested in reading certain books because they are not relatable.

J.Jackson

4/8/2019 04:02:37 am

I agree I feel like our generation doesn't read as much or doesn't like to read especially if it's not entertaining.

D jones

4/8/2019 05:54:06 am

I agree i don’t like reading books unless i can relate.

J. Griffith 2nd

4/8/2019 08:41:50 am

I agree because if it doesn’t relate to us or our lives, we’re not as interested in reading books.

M. Cain 2nd

4/8/2019 12:01:31 am

I agree with students not connecting with the topics of the books. But after seeing these statistics I feel like we need to read anyway.

J.Jackson

4/8/2019 04:05:06 am

I agree I feel like we should read no matter of the topic because reading helps us with alot and can gain knowledge that we need..

D jones 3rd

4/8/2019 05:55:05 am

I agree we should read more

Z. Crawford

4/8/2019 04:53:12 am

That's mainly why we don't like reading because the books we read are not engaging.

J. Griffith 2nd

4/8/2019 10:18:41 am

I agree because most of the books don’t exactly grab our attention

V Parker 8th

4/8/2019 05:08:17 am

I agree that many books children are pushed to read do not hold their interest - but with the proper resources a child can find a novel, comic book or even article that piques their interest. As a child I enjoyed reading and read far ahead of my peers but the majority of books didn’t hold my interest and i would blow through them quickly. If children were given a choice in what they wanted to read and actually allowed to search, I think literacy rates would be much better.

J Mills 2nd pd.

4/8/2019 11:55:50 am

I disagree because I feel like its not that the books don’t hold their attention, but the books are not challenging enough and keep them at low reading levels.

K. Allen 8th pd

4/8/2019 08:17:33 am

I totally agree with you, I see kids and even teenagers that still struggle on trying to read simple material.

T.Harris 6th

4/8/2019 10:10:54 am

I have the same situation with my brother and cousin . The younger children are stuck into games and television if we just limit the time on each system a change can happen.

Jordan bridges

4/6/2019 08:09:52 am

Now I don't read a lot but I do see how reading is so essential in life. For example;communication,strengthening vocabulary,reading and understanding material etc.one benefit I love from reading is having new and better words to use in conversation. In all honesty people make reading seem like a virus or something just for the fact that there not interested in them but opening up to things can bring knowledge to you that you may be able to use someday or learn new material.

K.Brown 2nd

4/7/2019 06:04:26 am

To imply others view reading as a “virus” is a bit of a stretch . Yes , I know our peers don’t really mess with the whole reading scenario but , I think it’s because of the reading selection that is provided . Most of our reading is used to provide sources for testig instead of something teens prefer .

L.Allen 2nd period

4/8/2019 06:07:46 am

I agree, even though the books we are reading are not in your interest doesn't make it not beneficial for yourself because the whole purpose of reading is to expand and grow the mind not just ingrain topics an knowledge on what you like or interest you.

G. Musa 6th period.

4/8/2019 01:48:38 am

You can't speak for everyone but I agree partly on your statement. If your vocabulary is stuck in 3rd grade you'll be excluded from discussions.

K. Allen 8th

4/8/2019 08:19:49 am

I disagree with you saying that reading is sometimes viewed as a virus. Yes, as apart of this generation I understand we hate the thought of reading but it seems to be more that just maybe the reading material that we are exposed to does not relate to us .

Xavier Hines 5th Period

4/8/2019 09:42:09 am

I agree that opening up to things can bring knowledge to you.

Q. Chancellor (5th period)

4/6/2019 10:57:09 am

Reading is very essential to all aspects of life , including normal day to day routines. I infer many chose not to read because most topics are outdated in comparison to the world we live in now. Therefore, they feel as though if they do not obtain the knowledge that is given in books, it will not hinder their paths in life. My little brother is an exceptional reader, but he desires to play games like Fortnite rather than read.

M Taylor 1st

4/6/2019 11:23:06 am

The word “outdated” is played out and overly used.. nothing can truly be outdated.. if you see a interest in it is in your date.. it’s for you.. not everyone else

K. Brown 8th hour

4/7/2019 08:09:46 am

No, topics can be very outdated. Just because a topic is outdated doesn't mean that people won't find interest in it. The topic of medieval affairs is outdated with the idea of modern technology but there are many successful and large fan bases for these ideas. People have to find what they are interested in so they can build a base, and at times books students are encouraged to read are 'out of style'. Shakespearean language is very outdated, but there are many who still enjoy it.

T Falls 6th

4/8/2019 09:38:51 am

Yeah you are right nothing can be outdated but think about it you had the option of reading two books one that came out recently and one that dates back in time. You would definitely choose the newer one.

S. Sanders- 1st Period

4/6/2019 11:28:52 am

Well you’re right reading is an essential for all aspects of life. Reading promotes one’s learning and ability to comprehend. The more one understand what he/she learns through reading the more knowledgeable one is to succeed or gain insight to making best decision, reaching life’s goals and be more prompt to share or communicate wisely.

M Martinez 3rd

4/6/2019 09:10:26 pm

Reading is a big part of life in order to be succesful in a way. If you want something you make time for it no matter what.

J.Jackson

4/8/2019 04:06:28 am

I agree it plays a major role in our lives and it's something we much do

Estevan Salas 6th

4/7/2019 01:46:36 am

Reading is reading, whether it is in a book, online or even social media. What you are interested in is out there you just have to seek it with desire.

J chandler 6th

4/8/2019 04:29:24 am

I’ve always thought “reading” refer to a book. Never social media but do agree with it.

D.Gadson 6th

4/7/2019 02:44:46 am

I can see where you’re coming from when you say that people may think that topics are outdated, but really it’s the fact that they may not be able to understand that type of wording in the story.

M. Hollywood 2nd

4/8/2019 01:36:32 am

Outdated topics make it hard to relate to the book making us not want to read them

M.Sanchez 6thpd.

4/8/2019 05:04:59 am

It doesn't necessarily have to do with topics being outdated because there are plenty of modern books. Most teens dont like reading because they find it boring or rather be on social media. Instagram and Twitter tend to be more amusing with memes and all the latest drama.

Asiah

4/8/2019 11:36:57 am

This is so true i asked my older sister why she don't read and she said said it was because she got bettet things to do and its boring

I. Chancellor 8th period

4/8/2019 08:24:44 am

With all honesty, reading should be an essential part of our life. In agreement, some don’t read books because they think that the books are outdated and look boring. To be honest, it will affect them negatively, even though they say it will not. That is so great that your little brother is an exceptional reader. Lastly, kids have to take charge of their reading, if they want to succeed in life.

T.Falls 6th

4/8/2019 11:35:51 am

This post kinda hit home considering the fact that I hate anything that has to do with English. I’m personally not the best reader but I make up for it my math skill. I feel as if you know the basics to fundamental reading you will be fine in life. One the other hand my sister read to her little boy a lot while he was young and now that he is in school he does extremely well all around. All this to say Is our academics kinda does lay in the hands or our parents because they have to set the foundation for us to grow.

N. Medina 6th

4/8/2019 12:08:01 pm

I agree , if books where about relatable topics then many more teens would read

M Taylor 1st

4/6/2019 11:20:12 am

I don’t know of anyone who has a reading problem or that struggles or that just simply don’t know how other than my 1 year old nephew 🤷🏽‍♀️ and he basically only speaks baby gibberish with maybe 10 ACTUAL words in his vocabulary but whether or not your parents read to you at night as a kid yes it may help increase your vocabulary in kindergarten but that doesn’t mean you cant be verbally strong as well but to help this probable of not knowing how to read or not knowing how to read well i would ready book and no only read the understand them to your very own personal level so the words and meaning may stick and have value

M.Hollywood 2nd

4/8/2019 01:37:37 am

Everyone reads at their own rate and some grow slower than others but sometimes it doesn’t seem right

S. Sanders- 1st Period

4/6/2019 11:45:03 am

One in four children grow up without learning how to read. The statistic is adequate because most households do not have reading books, own a library card, or have a parent who did not graduate high school as well do not continue to read post high graduation, which hinders the children from reading. Reading is important to me as it promotes learning and comprehension. This statistic effect me because I haven’t-been and isn’t a thrilled person to reading. I can read well, just don’t. I feel I don’t read as much because just hasn’t been a habit nor has it been instructed for me to do consistently. I do not have any plans to make reading a direct routine. I have a younger sibling who struggle with reading too. I don’t think much will change and we will suffer to achieve our life’s goals.

M Martinez 3rd

4/6/2019 09:08:49 pm

I too feel as if reading is a habit that has to be passed down. At the same time a person should want the need to read as well.

Estevan Salas 6th

4/7/2019 01:43:47 am

I understand the point you are attempting to make in the beginning but is that still an excuse? This society has the whole world in their fingertips and insteads choose to spend their time on facebook and instagram when there are plenty of literature tools in the palm of their hands. I think it lands on parenting and the amount of effort one is content with putting into their child.

D.Gadson 6th

4/7/2019 02:54:47 am

Honestly just because your parents didn’t read as much shouldn’t affect your reading, so at that point you have to find a way to read for yourself and not think “my parents didn’t read so it may not be useful to me” .

K. Brown 8th hour

4/7/2019 08:05:25 am

You'd be surprised. Not in every case is it true that a parent not encouraging their child to read ensures lower literacy. BUT, parents play a very large role when it comes to literacy. Parents are to encourage their students to read, write, and spell. And you have to remember, children don't just up and think, "Hey, since my parents don't readI have to go learn myself." Children need an influence before they can do on their own. And this influence is usually the parents of said child.

S.Johnson 8th

4/7/2019 10:21:12 pm

Even if there isn't a book in the house, a lot of communities have a library and even those libraries have reading programs for kids and adult. There is even a app call Wattpad that is full of books written by people our age, younger or even older. These statistics can be easily avoided if we explore the resources that we have around us.

T.Tate 8th

4/8/2019 08:25:07 am

I agree, because many people use the excuse of I don’t have books. When there is many resources out there to read .

M Martinez 3rd

4/6/2019 09:07:25 pm

Reading is something that makes you acquire knowledge which is amazing. I too have notice my peers never wanting to read and I never understood why. Although I don't read as much I should start before I become apart of a statistic. Fortunately my whole family knows how to read, mostly my brother which motivates me to read more like him. Having the ability to read is truly a blessing no matter what age you’re.

K.Brown 2nd

4/7/2019 03:25:39 am

I also believe reading is a prominent source of knowledge .Luckily you have family members that encourage you to read . I think the fact that our peers don’t like to read is understandable . Nowadays, we have access to other things that can provide us with knowledge,like videos .

L.Allen 2nd period

4/8/2019 06:24:16 am

I agree, that reading does provides a lot of knowledge but we have to take into consideration of the evolution of technology in today's society with the innovations of google, social media, and highly tech phones that don't just affect teens but adults as well.

N. Medina 6th

4/8/2019 12:09:47 pm

Our society is lazy and I feel as they could read but they chose not to because they believe it doesn’t benefit them

Estevan Salas 6th

4/7/2019 01:29:00 am

Reading as a whole is something i wouldnt say i LOVE doing however i do find it calming in a way. People as a whole cant just read anything and find it amusing, however finding something you do like makes a huge impact on the depth of your reading. I initially started reading when i was younger and then bought the Percy Jackson series when i was in 6th or 7th grade. I honestly love those books and even sometimes glance and re-read events that happened and how it influenced younger me’s decisions at the time. I think i read pretty good but some things just arent as interesting as others. The only books i truly finished last year were “Astrophyiscs for People in da Hurry” by Neil Degrasse Tyson and “The Grand Design” by Stephen Hawking as those are the only ones that held my attention and left me wondering. I do plan on reading more in the future because life at the moment just seems so caught-up and summer has waaay more free time than this semester has in store.

Q. Chancellor 5th period

4/7/2019 11:51:38 am

I agree that reading is not something that i genuinely love , but depending on what the book covers and the reason i have to read it, sparks my interest. The books that i had as a child were not only beneficial, but they were extremely amusing to me. Those books made me childhood memories rememberable.

S. Pirzada 6th

4/7/2019 03:27:12 pm

When I get a chance to go the bookstore I randomly pick out mostly science fiction. These books can so drawned in and engaging. I would think I couldn't find another novel that could catch my interest, but I have to motivate myself to try.

B. Haynes 8th

4/8/2019 02:07:11 am

I agree. The first novel I actually read was The Wizard of Oz, and sometimes I go back and read it because it was one of my all time favorite books when I was little. When you find a book that’s truly interesting, it’s hard to put it down.

K. Gomez 6th

4/8/2019 11:26:23 am

I completely agree if it interests you then the outcome will completely change verses when you don’t find it interesting.

J. Griffith 2nd

4/7/2019 01:36:50 am

In my spare time, I enjoy picking up a good book. Reading is a great way to enhance one’s vocabulary. It also allows me to see what someone else’s life is like in the story. I mainly read non-fiction books. Reading is fundamental for me in my opinion.

J bridges

4/8/2019 06:11:28 am

I think that is good to have a open perspective when reading a book rather then just reading a book without giving it a chance.

Xavier Hines 5th Period

4/8/2019 09:30:18 am

I fully agree with this comment. You can never go wrong with picking up a good book.

K.Brown 2nd

4/7/2019 03:09:52 am

To me , reading is merely a way to feed our brain . Without the fuel of reading I believe our minds would become extremely shallow .If I’m being honest ,I don’t see reading as entertainment ! I look at as : do I know enough to speak or have an influence on my loved ones ? If my answer is no then I’ll read up on the things I’m not sure about . Reading pretty much just provides knowledge ,not entertainment.

M Taylor 1st

4/7/2019 11:03:54 am

I partially agree reading is knowledge.. it provides it... but reading can also be an entertainment
i read old romance novels from entertainment from time to time

T. Jones 2nd

4/7/2019 09:33:16 pm

I wish I was at the point in my life where I used reading as entertainment. I’m sure you learn a lot of new things daily.

G. Musa 6th period

4/8/2019 01:46:31 am

Brain food Is heavily emphasized regardless of how dumb the term sounds. Reading to me goes both ways depending on the book itself. If the book is based on mystery im at the edge of my seat. It depends on the genre in my opinion.

Augustine P 2nd

4/8/2019 02:29:32 am

I agree with you. Some genres are have more interesting books than others, being that more people may want to read them.

J chandler 6th

4/8/2019 04:24:36 am

That’s what I’m saying too. I don’t read unless I have to and sometimes not even then

M.Sanchez.6thpd

4/8/2019 05:13:38 am

The majority of people see reading in this perspective and those people are the ones that for the most part dont like reading. There are many people that read for entertainment because they dont like being on social media or its a way for them to get some peace without all the negativity.

K. Brown 8th hour

4/7/2019 08:01:23 am

As a child my parents always had me reading and writing. While we would take family drives in the car my parents made me read road signs and restuarant signs. My mother is an avid reader and my father enjoyed supplying the materials I needed to write and practice with. My father helped me fill dozens upon dozens of legal pads with my ABCs and words I struggled with pronouncing or spelling. So I enjoy to read and write, and I enjoy the challenge of new words. However, after reading these statistics I am sad. I don't entirely blame these students, seeing as I feel they may have not gotten the push in the right direction that they may have needed. I feel that the love of reading, more often than not, is a seed that needs to be planted and nurtured to ensure a healthy literacy tree in the future.

S.Johnson 8th

4/7/2019 10:18:37 pm

My mother and sister had me do the same thing while growing up and we even had competitions within the family. I even remember in elementary where we would get in groups and speed read, read poems, and do spelling checks.

A. Green 3

4/8/2019 05:34:08 am

I totally agree with you. Once I got older and my parents gave me the choice whether o r not to read I stopped. It just wasn’t as important anymore.

T.Tate 8th

4/8/2019 08:31:24 am

My mother did the same with me and my sister and she still does this with my younger siblings. It was never a time she didn’t ask “did you read today”

Q. Chancellor 5th period

4/7/2019 11:44:31 am

My parent did these exact same things and it helped me tremendously throughout my primary and secondary schooling , but the curriculum in schools have changed. Reading all the time is not a requirement anymore, therefore , children feel they should not read. It is not any use in passing and achieving the world that is forming today.

S. Pirzada 6th

4/7/2019 02:57:26 pm

Reading always a requirement for education. I understand that children should be influenced to read, but not everyone going to make the cut.

A.green 3

4/8/2019 05:32:54 am

It’s true and I agree with you. Once reading stopped being mandatory I stopped reading. I felt like there was no reason for it.

S. Pirzada 6th

4/7/2019 02:50:50 pm

There's a film of a young boy whose lacks reading skills. His teacher met his family as the father shames his son for refusing to study. The teacher told the father to read a text in a foriegn language though he reacted similar as his son would. This idea results to the idea of selective learning. No matter how important reading is, people maintain their own ignorance. I feel like this is important because I'm expected to use hands-on resources mainly for school, but I look like a fail when there's a moment that I didn't gain the knowledge.

T. Jones 2nd

4/7/2019 09:32:06 pm

Reading is powerful and essential in the life we all choose to live. I think as teens we don’t like to read books only because we are not used to it. After we actually sit down and start reading, we often enjoy the book. Parents reading to children at a yourger age would have probably prevented us growing up and not wanting to pick up a book. I have a little sister who is in 2nd grade that hates to read. I always try to tell her how important reading is but I never actually sit down & read with her, but I don’t know why she hates reading at such a young age. What are ways to get her to become a motivated reader?

M. Mason 1st

4/8/2019 03:23:24 am

I agree. Audiobooks are a good way to get those who don’t really want to read a book to change their perspective.

D. Gibson jr. 1st period

4/8/2019 04:08:16 am

I agree, audiobooks should help those who doesnt like to physically pick up a book because its all digital.

Aaliyah C

4/8/2019 10:03:17 am

I disagree with this statement because if i already don't want to read the book im definitely not gone want to hear it.

S.johnsonn 8th

4/7/2019 10:16:27 pm

Luckily when I was young I was forced to read a book every week and when it was summer time I had to read and write with my cousins all the time. Reading now isn't a big issue to me its just some times I may get lazy and won't pick up a book. However reading is essential to our lives and it is ridiculous how some do not know how to read or just refuse to. It starts with parents or older siblings reading to the younger kids and setting an example. But how can this even happen if the parents can't read and the older siblings hate it?

B. Haynes 8th

4/8/2019 02:03:18 am

My mom was the same with me. Every day, I would spend thirty minutes to an hour reading a book. I don’t think I realized the importance of picking up a book every day, but now I’m grateful for it. It made me a better reader and writer each time.

M. Cain 2nd

4/7/2019 11:54:15 pm

Reading the statistics about the effects of not knowing how to read is crazy to me, especially the fact about the prisons and basing the amount of beds needed on the reading test results. Reading definitely used to be very important to me when I was younger because I was able to choose the books that I wanted to read. But a part of growing up is getting out of your comfort zone. I don’t have any younger siblings that don’t know how to or struggle to read. But my older sister does have dyslexia, so reading has always kind of been pushed in our house. I do find it unnerving that parents these days aren’t reading to their kids.

A. Green 3

4/8/2019 01:15:44 am

I also agree with the fact that reading has diminished in popularity in today’s world. But it’s due to the heavy use of social media and electronics. Also because everyone’s peers don’t see the need for reading they don’t do it. We have a monkey see monkey do attitude so if someone close appreciated reading a ton of other people would too.

Augustine p 2nd

4/8/2019 02:25:55 am

I both agree and disagree with you. Social media does play a big role in us today, but this monkey see monkey do business, I just can't agree with you. Take me for example, I have friends that both read all day, and that chooses not to read at all and just because I'm with the friends that likes to read doesn't mean that I'm going to pick up a book and read as well, and neither does it mean that just because they see me doing something different they're going to put their books down to do the same thing as me. Same goes for those friends of mine that doesn't like to read at all. We make our decisions based on how we feel, based on what we want to do, and we can't blame someone else's actions for being the way we are, or doing the things we do.

Asiah

4/8/2019 11:35:52 am

I find this true everyone just followed the wave that reading isn't cool but its stupid

G. Musa 6th period

4/8/2019 01:43:45 am

In my old neighborhood growing up we had block parties and some games required reading the instructions out loud. I learned to fall in love with reading, If didn't know big words I wrote them down to show my parents later on. That improved my vocabulary tremendously but over the past few years my love for reading had slowed down to the point I hated reading out loud and dreaded popcorn reading. My family have high expectations, My dad had a degree in Literature i took my love for writing and reading from him. At some point I started doing things because someone in my family did it, I realized that won't get me far unless I'm doing it for myself that changed my whole perspective. Kids are attracted to books with images because it draws their attention to the book and paints a graphic view in their mind(Imagery). I had a cousin who hated reading and regardless of how many times we've tried to help improve his pleasure for reading he didn't listen, His mom eventually started giving him audio books to listen to and that sparked his love for books. People have different ways of learning and not everyone is willing to plop down and open a book up, they enjoy listening to it either from a technology or someone physically reading to them.

C. Capel 6th

4/8/2019 05:46:58 am

Reading should be how you want it to be. Unfortunately, all tests are the same and require you to sit and try to understand.

B. Haynes 8th

4/8/2019 01:59:24 am

Reading is a fundamental skill that has always come natural to me, and it was something I loved—and still do love—as a child. I think my eyes opened when I tutored children at a church where some didn’t even know their ABCs, and others proudly proclaimed that they didn’t like to read. This shocked me because reading is literally the base of everything—from literature to math, you have to have some sort of literacy. I’ve never taken in to account that not everyone has teachers or parents that do ingrain that into their minds at a young age. It is unfortunate that reading is seen as a chore to some—even to me at times—but I think that teaching the importance of reading will lead to a positive outcome in the future, especially through organizations like #BrownTeensRead.

M. Mason

4/8/2019 03:21:23 am

I agree. Most people feel like they are forced to read.

D. Gibson jr. 1st period

4/8/2019 04:06:09 am

I completely agree as people get older they tend to see reading as a waste of time not knowing its going to pay off in the long run.

J. Maple 8th

4/8/2019 07:15:41 am

I agree. Reading is the basis of learning how to do anything and everything, and should be treated as such.

Z. James 8th

4/8/2019 11:29:02 am

It takes a certain upbringing to show you the importance of reading. Without that foundation a child is loss in the subject of reading.

Augustine P 2nd

4/8/2019 02:18:56 am

For me, reading has never been my first choice. I mean yes, I did read when I was younger, when I had the opportunity to read the things that interested me, but when I got to school and my teachers began to make me read things that didn't capture my attention, reading and I kind of drifted apart from one another. Don't get me wrong, yes, I know how to read, but when it ones to something that I am not interested in, I will either partially read it, o not read it at all because after a while I tend to feel like I'm waisting my time reading something that I know I'm not interested in, and that kind of hurts me in a way because in school, when I am not interested in something I usually don't read it, but I've gotten better. On the other hand, I try to keep my little brother reading as much as I could, even the books he may feel like he doesn't like so that he could get used to the feeling of not always reading the things that interest him.

C. Capel 6th

4/8/2019 05:45:47 am

Definitely relatable , in so many aspects.

K.Gomez 6th

4/8/2019 11:19:48 am

I connected with this so much. If it doesn’t interest me then I won’t read it. I’ve tried so many times to read things that I’ve been assigned but it just never works out. I would read a page (and that’s being generous) and my mind would immediately drift off somewhere else.

Z. James 8th

4/8/2019 11:27:49 am

When I would have to be forced to read something I would lose interest. I needed motivation to read a book.

M. Mason 1st

4/8/2019 03:20:22 am

Reading is something that helps all of us. I personally love to read books especially as a child whether it was a physical book or an audiobook. It is important that we read. Some people may feel that they don’t need to read, however it does affects how we speak. When we read we expand our minds.

Lloyd Trimble

4/8/2019 04:37:01 am

I agree completely, reading helps you strengthen your brain and furthers your understanding.

I. Chancellor 8th period

4/8/2019 08:32:17 am

It does, because it helps us read instructions, get good jobs, and etc. With all honesty, I love to read, because it gives me the chance to elevate my mind. In agreement, it is important that we read, because we would be left behind, if we did not know how to read. That is so right, because people who struggle in speech, struggle at reading or don’t read at all. Lastly, when we expand our minds, we become better people and readers.

D.Gibson jr. 1st period

4/8/2019 04:03:59 am

To be honest i do not know anybody who is struggling to read. As a kid i use to love to read without being told to until i got older and being forced to read something i do not want to read or know about. Many people will say that they do not need to read but reading helps expand vocabulary and keep conversations going. Reading opens up many path ways to help u be successful.

K Eagans 3rd

4/8/2019 06:57:22 am

Reading helps you hold conversations in all types of topics. It implants knowledge in your mind that you might not think is relevant. Reading can honestly change your life.

J Chandler 6th

4/8/2019 04:21:28 am

I know reading is important to jus about everything in life, but it’s just not something I enjoy or have a want to do. I have never read a book that I can honestly say I would read again. I’d rather watch the movies to the book. Reading is really boring to me and I get distracted easily so that doesn’t help me read more at all. I know that reading is important, but maybe just reading for fun isn’t for everyone.

Lloyd Trimble

4/8/2019 04:35:13 am

I understand you in saying reading is boring but some books are actually entertaining. For example, when I was in Elementary I loved reading the goosebumps books and Diary of a Wimpy kid. It’s all about you finding what you’re in to

R. Mbelwa 6th

4/8/2019 11:58:33 am

It’s not even that you just have to find what you click with. You gotta find your lingo and find that genre or author that makes you come back and enjoy the books. You say watching the movie is better but I feel like it’s better to picture the characters how you want based off the descriptions and it’s nice.

Lloyd Trimble

4/8/2019 04:33:03 am

Reading is a skill one cannot live without. The fundamental skill of reading helps us educate ourselves and further our understanding on topics. Reading, although is becoming “outdated”, is a necessary thing if we want to continue to strengthen our minds

V Parker 8th

4/8/2019 05:13:09 am

I don’t think reading will ever truly be outdated, at least not right now as you still do have to read even when using technology. The issue itself isn’t reading - it’s the rate at which people comprehend what they read that poses a threat. This is why reading programs need to be established and novels and other printed/digital word must continue to be made.

Z Holmes Pd 3

4/8/2019 05:57:04 am

Reading can go outdated but it CAN'T . It's a necessity to literally live. A few years ago, you couldn't even go from point a to point b without reading a street sign. The actual issue is how all the tech companies are making living so easy for us, it's forcing us to be Lazy. You can literally be blind and drive on the street.

M.Sanchez 6th.pd.

4/8/2019 04:56:00 am

We are all told that reading is important since we were young. Not that it really mattered to us because we felt we had better things to do than read some boring book that our teachers gave us. Reading is important but when I was younger I hated reading because I had to read it in both Spanish and English. However, I now realize that that it is important for young kids to read because it does improve the vocabulary and prepare them for school. I have a nephew that is just me like me and hates reading and does anything he can to get out of it. I can read but I still prefer to read what interest me or ill daze off and not know what I read.

I Jones 6th Period

4/8/2019 07:05:13 am

This is true in some cases, but i’ve always made reading a very important skill i needed to learn because reading is IMPORTANT PERIOD.

Z. Crawford 6th pd

4/8/2019 05:00:11 am

I can confess that I'm one of those children who hate reading. Well if it's a very interesting book I'll start it but I probably won't finish. The last time I fully read a book as my own decisions was in the 6th grade. Most of the times when I read books I don't even understand what the book be about. That's my biggest problem, reading between the lines especially poems. Now that's what I literally hate, poems give me a hard time to understand them.

V Parker 8th

4/8/2019 05:11:17 am

Growing up, my mother would have to sit down with me to get me to complete reading assignments despite teachers informing her that I read with fidelity and was highly intelligent. This wasn’t because I was lazy though; I just wasn’t interested and thought that the books and reading assignments I had were boring and therefore wouldn’t do them. Instead of doing my work, I would go to the library and check out armfuls of books at a time. This is where a lot of kids begin to have their issues. What they are given to read is boring and they decide they don’t need to read outside of school assignments. If kids were given a choice, then they would read more and improve their skills rather than remaining unlettered.

Z Holmes Pd 3

4/8/2019 05:54:41 am

I totally understand this! As a kid, I loved to read. Me and my cousins would read alll day long. I was never forced and because of it i was always reading on a higher grade level than my peers. Since it came so effortlessly to me, my mom assumed it would to my siblings too when infact it's the complete opposite. They wouldn't dare pick up a book.

I Jones 6th Period

4/8/2019 07:04:00 am

I completely agree ! the type of books my teachers would send me home with would be verrryyyy boring and uninteresting which made me not want to read it .

J. Maple 8th

4/8/2019 07:13:32 am

I agree. We don’t like to read because we don’t like what we’re given. Although I don’t think every assignment is boring, it’s just assumed so.

C. Capel 6th

4/8/2019 05:44:37 am

Yes I can read, but understanding what I just read not my strong suit. To be completely honest I do more reading on the internet rather than picking up the ol reliable. But, I want to get out of that mindset as books are becoming almost extinct to our eyes. I want my children to be content in picking up a book before picking up any piece of technology. These statistics do affect me but I’m working on getting better.

Z holmes Pd 3

4/8/2019 05:52:19 am

Looking at these statistics frightens me for the simple fact that, we are the future of the technology and to know that 20% of us can't even read good enough to hold a job is sickening. We as a whole have to do better.

Jniquea jackson

4/8/2019 08:18:25 am

I do agree with you but is this all our fault? If we are given more teachers who care and willing to put the effort in maybe there will be a change. In a school setting for example we can not have no one or 2 teachers who care about the learning. There need to be a great amount . Yes the statics are true but if we want better everyone have to seek in to better our generation be better .

F. Aleman 8th

4/8/2019 09:21:14 am

It's not just teachers. A teacher can only do so much. I think if you had one teacher who cares out of 20, you still have one teacher who is willing to teach you, so take it. But I do agree that there should be a change.

J. Gonzalez

4/8/2019 09:53:43 am

It has so little yet so much to do with the teachers. The teachers are the ones who are trying to make us read, but if they didn’t just force us to read a book that we have no interest in and maybe let us choose a book we find interesting then we’d probably have a lot more students read

D. Jones 3rd

4/8/2019 05:58:08 am

This wasn’t because I was lazy though; I just wasn’t interested and thought that the books and reading assignments I had were boring and therefore wouldn’t do them.In all honesty people make reading seem like a virus or something just for the fact that there not interested in them but opening up to things can bring knowledge to you that you may be able to use someday or learn new mate. I just think we should all read more.

L.Allen 2nd period

4/8/2019 06:39:26 am

In my opinion, I wouldn't say I don't like to read I just read topics and ideas that catch my attention. I the times I do read is when I'm stress because when I read while I am stress it reduces and provide comfort for me and when you read great books it takes you out of reality. I do believe reading is important for helping develop the mind, imagination, and creative side of a person while building a good self-image.

K Eagans 3rd

4/8/2019 06:51:29 am

That’s definitely true. It’s not that teens don’t like to read, it’s that most things teachers have us reading is tremendously boring

Jniquea jackson 2

4/8/2019 08:14:43 am

This is another great point !! How do you except us to read something that’s going to put us to sleep? I don’t know about nobody else but if I’m not interested I’m not going to want any dealing with it . May be a sad case to you or any adult but that’s just the way it is.

Marqueshia Richardson

4/8/2019 09:07:51 am

I feel you on that one. I just try to push and at least try to find interest in it and I understand some say that reading is fundamental and it expands tour vocab but it's like I'll read and learn a new cool word and later forget all about the word I just read and when I'm asked about it or what it means I'm so clueless.

K. Moore

4/8/2019 09:11:06 am

I agree reading is a great stress relief. Being taken from reality for just a bit can release at of emotions.

J. Gonzalez

4/8/2019 09:51:23 am

I totally agree with you. When i am stressed out, I too as well read something to take my mind off of what ever I’m stressing about

Aaliyah C

4/8/2019 09:59:45 am

This statement is very true.Teachers give us these boring books and expect us to just sit there and enjoy reading it. We need books that can catch our attention and make us want to see whats going to happen at the end.

A crow 5th prd

4/8/2019 11:05:13 am

I agree with you these teachers assign us these boring books that we can hardly understand and wonder why we aren't really focused on the book.

J bridges

4/8/2019 11:24:25 am

I feel you. For me I love how what I'm reading can put a powerful image of way I've read in my head

K Eagans 3rd

4/8/2019 06:46:59 am

I know how to read and I know how to comprehend. I do t remember how I learned how to read well but I know I was very young. All my siblings read well too. I do think it’s a shame that people still don’t know how to read in 2019. Slavery ended 151 years ago.

I Jones 6th Period

4/8/2019 07:02:19 am

I wouldn’t say i just LOVE to read but i do read weather it’s articles or books i have on my phone. It’s entertaining when there’s nothing else to do and it’s a good way to educate yourself on topics you don’t know about . Growing up, my parents made me knowing how to real well a huge thing. Thinking back on that now, i understand why . They used to read to me all them time then eventually they would make me read to them. Personally, i know how to read very well, i just don’t like to at school but then i’d turn around and read when i get home. It’s hard to explain but that’s what it is. I don’t know if my sibling can read well or not, i don’t really keep in touch with them enough to know so i can’t really answer that question.

J. Maple 8th

4/8/2019 07:11:10 am

I love to read. It takes talent to create a whole world with words, and I appreciate an author’s effort to share their imagination and stories with others. I hated to read when I was younger, but I learned to love it by reading about things I actually liked. Science fiction, coming of age, and supernatural are my favorite genres, and it has never changed. I feel that we could all learn to love to read if we just make the effort to find the things we want to read about.

Jniquea jackson 2

4/8/2019 08:13:11 am

I do believe reading is a big problem in today society. I also have a remark or comment on why teacher get “mad “ or upset with student who are not fund of reading. I will use ME as a example past years my reading teachers hardly ever forced reading on the student as my recent teachers do . Now as a senior and even last year as a junior I was even more shocked to find out teachers really forced kids to learn how to read. But I don’t quite understand how come a teacher can get mad at the student who isn’t use to reading big book or going overboard on work when in the past we did not have teachers like we do now. So my question can “good teachers” get mad at students ?

F. Aleman 8th

4/8/2019 09:17:23 am

Your teachers aren't the only people who influence you. Your parents have a lot to do with your education. Hopefully any body parents would want their kids to read more and not just in school.

R.Hannon 6th

4/8/2019 10:49:59 am

Your overall statement is just plain ridiculous. Why would you not want a teacher to force reading , they shouldn’t have to force it. It’s shouldve been taught and handled to your level of comprehension. That’s how they as in Government, Business Owners and contractors get us with fine print. All because we don’t want to read we just skim through and sign because they gave a run down but won’t tell you what’s the real gag.

K. Allen 8th pd

4/8/2019 08:27:07 am

Growing up in today’s society I grew into hating reading, I looked for it to be “time consuming” or “boring” but the older I get the more I regret not getting into the habit of reading. Reading can expose you to new vocabulary and open your mind to new experiences. Sometime I tend to catch blaming my hatred for reading on the teacher saying she picked material that I could not relate to or that I found uninterested.

K. Moore

4/8/2019 09:06:42 am

I completely agree regret does come from not reading. Your vocabulary is something you to keep at at wide range.

I. Chancellor 8th period

4/8/2019 08:33:28 am

Reading to me is the best thing we can do, because it elevates our mind. The statistics make me sad and fear for our future generations. Yes, I can read well. No, my younger sibling can read and does not struggle, too. If my younger sibling did, I would help him learn how to read.

T.Tate 8th

4/8/2019 08:47:33 am

I never hated reading because I grew up in a household that made me read , so it’s too late to hate it now. I may graon about reading sometimes because that’s just me being lazy , but over all reading is not that bad at all.Especially if it’s something interesting . I believe if I didn’t grow up reading . I would hate reading and wouldn’t want to read at all .

Marqueshia Richardson

4/8/2019 09:05:19 am

This is literally how i feel. Growing up if I went to my mom and said "mom I'm bored" she would either tell me to go clean or read and one time I just did and when I was done reading revelation I was like ok this is interesting. And again yes reading is not that bad I guess I just have to find an open door in interest when it comes to certain books that I wouldn't really read.

R.Hannon 6th pd

4/8/2019 10:46:15 am

Keyword “interesting”. That’s the problem , everybody can’t keep their eyes or mind on reading something they don’t like. Why , simple because someone may have implied it on them to do so for a grade or just because it’s necessary

K. Moore

4/8/2019 08:58:22 am

Reading for teens today has become a difficult task they feel like they’re obligated instead of feeling the need to. They always feel like somebody is making them do something and that they don’t have a opinion not knowing that it’s only for the best. Sometimes reading can be boring, but everything you read is not going to interest you.

K. Banks 6th

4/8/2019 09:53:53 am

Some teens do feel like they are obligated to read, so they choose to not do so.

Marqueshia Richardson

4/8/2019 09:02:25 am

First off I love this one and what it addresses. I myself don't just dislike reading but it is almost as if I went read it unless it catches my attention or if it is something I really like. Growing up I always saw reading cool but when I got older I just started to think it was boring. Sooner or later I realized it was important to know information but it's like I just feel like i cant sit still if it is not interesting to me i just feel like i cant sit on one place i literally have to turn, move, and walk around to keep reading. And even if i do that is just the fact that i can't get engaged almost like I'm just reading or saying the words in the book. Reading to me is now important and I see why it is very crucial. Now what I am trying to do is read more and at least try and find interest in books that I dont find interesting. Honestly i love this topic.

J. Perez 6th

4/8/2019 09:56:45 am

Thats another reason some students say they hate reading. Its because they assume reading is boring based off what they are told to read. If you give them a book with topics they enjoy you wouldnt see them complain but even still reading is more than just reading for entertainment you still need to be able to look at a long and wordy piece and still understand what the person is trying to say.

C.Swann 2nd

4/8/2019 10:54:49 am

PUHLEASE! It doesn’t matter what type of book you give them. One person is going to ask for pictures and another person is going to ask for the movie.

R. Mbelwa 6th

4/8/2019 11:54:59 am

I see where you’re coming from it helps to give people the topic they wanna read about. But life isn’t like that so they have to read what they gotta to become more knowledgeable.

Xavier Hines 5th Period

4/8/2019 09:12:32 am

The statistics on this topic is very eye opening. I believe in today's society, reading is considered something "smart" people do. Which is really sad because reading should be fundamental as the title displays. Most people think reading is a waste of time because they think its not a source of income or a necessity to acquire what they want in life. While that is true, reading doesn't give you physical currency but it makes your mind rich. Reading equips you with many tools and possibly even weapons to use for yourself or against people. It may even give you that extra power you've been needing to knock down a wall that might've seemed impossible to overcome. For me, reading takes me out of my mind and allows me to look at things through a lens I never could've imagined looking through. I also believe that people should have more of an open mind about things as well. You shouldn't just read things that you feel comfortable reading. I feel like you should expand your palate and read something out of your comfort zone.

J. Perez 6th

4/8/2019 09:53:05 am

Its true in this fast paced society many students view reading as a waste of time. Not to mention our attention spans has gotten shorter so many lose interest after the first few pages. It's sad really.

A crow 5th period

4/8/2019 11:02:30 am

I was raised to believe when people talk down on somthing its sometimes because they have no knowledge on it.

F. Aleman 8th

4/8/2019 09:15:00 am

Reading can help you grow and give a new perspective about life. I believe any body vacancy pick up the habit of loving to read if they really took the time to find something they like. Or instead of looking as reading as an obligation. The statistics are really sad. As a society, parents should push kids to read a little bit more.

K. Banks 6th

4/8/2019 09:51:40 am

Parents should encourage their kids to read more as it does help in early development of the brain.

J Butler 5th and 6th

4/8/2019 10:57:15 am

Agreed. Reading some books can give you retrospect. Allows you to see things from another side. Reading develops people and their lifestyles.

J. Perez 6th

4/8/2019 09:47:42 am

I honestly do believe reading is fundamental. It expands your horizons and exposes you to problems you could come across later on in life. These statistics are just down right sad and disturbing. Growing up I've always enjoyed reading. My parents always bought me books and monitored how much tv I watched. I guess parents should be more concerned about how much time their child spends on reading vs other activities.

D. Tonche 8th pd

4/8/2019 11:15:20 am

I agree with your opinion that reading expands your horizons and bring to an insight to new perspectives. My parents also never forced me to read, they actually discouraged it but I continued to do so avidly.

J. Gonzalez

4/8/2019 09:49:26 am

I don’t like reading, it’s boring and every time we read a book in your class it’s about black people as if they’re the only race. I get what black people went through and for how long but they aren’t the only race that had to struggle and are struggling right now. I don’t care for statistics because I know I can read and I used to love reading until school made me read books that were uninteresting and boring.

S. Houston

4/8/2019 11:01:16 am

Wow, very interesting perspective. Don’t know if I completely agree though.

K. Banks 6th

4/8/2019 09:50:31 am

Growing up my parents didn’t force me to read because it came naturally, but overtime school caused me to dislike it. Having to read books that never fufilled my interests pushed me away from the enjoyment. Being able to read is not a difficult task for me. I just choose not to do it. Although I’m aware reading is a necessity, so from time to time I’ll pick up a book.

J Butler 5th and 6th

4/8/2019 10:55:40 am

Exactly! I’ve was always just able to read well, fast and even understand what I was reading. Never a practice or never been held to read a certain amount I’ve just always been able to.

S. Houston

4/8/2019 11:00:05 am

I completely agree I hate the idea of reading now !

Aaliyah C

4/8/2019 09:56:08 am

I personally feel that most students like reading we just dont like the books that most teachers pick out. We need books that we can connect to and can entertain us.

C. Swann 2nm

4/8/2019 10:52:25 am

I disagree. We are very lazy. We’d rather watch the movie any day and we don’t care that the book has more detail.

T.Harris 6th

4/8/2019 10:18:55 am

This topic makes me think about my brother and his reading skills but he’s not alone im not as good as I should be myself. I would only read if it was pictures or a comic and he tends to play games . The crazy thing is he could tell u how to play a game and couldn’t even read the instructions. I feel that reading is a thing you can enjoy if you find your style. I can sit and read books about thugs and love all day only because that’s what I like. No one would like reading if it was forced it should be a choice of styles for everyone not just one in a class.

R.Hannon 6th pd

4/8/2019 10:43:19 am

I wouldn’t say I grew up reading but my mom did make me read everyday for 20mins to help with stumbling of words. I had trouble with reading , especially during 4th grade. I had to be pulled out of class to do one on one to get better with fluency and pronunciation. But, in the long run it did help me through my high school years because I can read very fluent. Next, it’s hard for this generation to read because of their attention span. Young teens open a book and can’t even find the strength to just read a simple 5-7 sentence. Hardly even a paragraph by its self. But , sure can send or read paragraphs to their friends. Little do they know you’ve reading just in your way which they think it’s informative or interesting. People choose because of what they’ve have been around , taught or just seen.

Cherish Swann

4/8/2019 10:50:29 am

What is reading? Reading is more than just sounding out words. Reading is analyzing the text and gaining the correct meaning from inferences made. We lack this because we lack the ability to problem solve. We’re so accustomed to answers being handed to us so we never have to figure things out. I’m phenomenal when it comes to pronunciation and articulation but analyzing always confuses me. I always end up trying to see different standpoints and the answer comes out horrendous.

J Butler 5th and 6th

4/8/2019 10:53:22 am

Not gone lie it’s nearly impossible to learn without a curve or at all without an ability to read. Reading kills a lot of our generation development, it’s bottom line fundamental. And for the ones who can read, reading with comprehension is another step. I have have ALWAYS taken pride in being able to read exceptionally well, it’s virtue for a lot of people.

A crow 5th period

4/8/2019 10:59:05 am

When I was younger I struggled with talking to my peers so I never really had friends like that. So I would read to escape my reality. I was never forced to read just because I liked to do it on my own and I feel like it is very fundamental to read books

S. Houston

4/8/2019 10:59:18 am

Reading is definitely fundamental. I find myself becoming frustrated at the idea of “reading aloud” in a class atmosphere. Not because I struggle with reading, but it frustrates me to hear people of my age and caliber not be able to read fluently. I don’t want to deem our parents as fully responsible. Primarily for the simple fact that I was not read to at a young age and I still managed to grow my reading abilities and be considered a “college lever reader” in high school. However, with this said I do believe there is some correlation between the two. Statistics show truth.

D. Tonche 8th pd

4/8/2019 11:10:25 am

To me, reading is a human right. When I see people the statistics of literacy it saddens me, I think it is a result of the American culture that thinks reading is boring and useless.

L Delley 3rd period

4/22/2019 10:36:44 am

I agree on not enjoying reading aloud.

D. Tonche 8th pd

4/8/2019 11:00:10 am

I have been an avid reader since a young girl. I used to be able to finish a book within one day, however, as time passed I stopped reading as plenty. It has always astounded me that other people don't read for entertainment and see it as nerdy or boring. I love reading and I dont care that people find it weird or nerdy. Reading gives you an insight to different perspectives and cultures. My younger brother has has great difficulty with speech and reading. I have tried to get him to read to improve his skills but he hates it. I dont know what to do to get him to love reading as much as I do. I think reading is a fundamental in life whether for basic instructions or for learning.

R. Garcia 8th

4/8/2019 12:43:45 pm

I think many people hate reading because they do not find the content of the book interesting or they may be overwhelmed by the size of a book. Perhaps catering to his interests could motivate him to want to read.

D.Gadson 6th

4/8/2019 11:01:13 am

Reading is important for the present and the future little do we believe it. Even though technology is starting to interrupt us from reading it’s still an resource we can use to read books. We may blame it on our parents because they didn’t raise us to read but it’s up to yourself to start reading. We don’t read bc we’re lazy and we think it’s boring. Teens read things that’s not very useful but read things that entertain us and that’s why we lack at novels times ago. They same way we read things on social media we should try reading things like Shakespeare.

K.Gomez 6th

4/8/2019 11:15:35 am

To me reading is something that’s necessary for survival. Everywhere you go it requires you to read. The statistic that was a real eye-opener for was the 8th statistic. The fact that they use the performance of some student in reading to determine the number of beds a future prison will require is very shocking. I personally wouldn’t say I’m a good reader but I’m definitely not bad at it. Reading this post made me question myself; “Do I even read?” After some self-reflection I came to the shocking conclusion that I read A LOT. What I read is not what society claims to be a ‘book’ but I read nonetheless. I read lots of comics, not a day goes by when I’m not reading one.

Z. James 8th

4/8/2019 11:26:31 am

Reading is the most important subject in the human lifespan. Without reading we would fail at every other subject. There would be no way of comprehending or establishment. Regardless of the statistics, they can be easily turned around with driven initiatives. I feel that I read well however when I’m in a rush I’ll attempt to read fast which affects my reading. My sister are mediocre readers unlike me when I was younger I read at a high school level in the 5th grade.

R. Garcia 8th

4/8/2019 12:37:37 pm

I agree, i feel reading is an essential component to most if not all societies and i find the fact that people have used literacy as a form of controlling others to be a reason to value it even more.

Asiah Ross

4/8/2019 11:35:00 am

Honestly i love reading i own over 300 books and read them all. I can read very well, reading was my favorite subject because we explored new books and i was sad to find out it wasnt much abt reading in english but i carry a book around me everywhere i go. Its crazy how much money i spend on books and i have so many diffrent generes its very rare to not see a book on me unless i leave it at home cuz i was reading it and forgot to bring it.

J James 6th period

4/13/2019 06:41:48 am

I totally agree, reading is so much fun when you have a interesting topic to read about

R. Mbelwa 6th

4/8/2019 11:52:30 am

Reading is very important as said above. I feel like reading brought me a lotta good and taught me to enjoy more things in life like silence. It really helps everyone that reads it only give knowledge and it can and will change society if people read more.

C. Hamilton 5th

4/8/2019 11:58:52 am

Reading in fundamental because it gives you knowledge that other things or resources can’t teach you . But I think people don’t read because of all the other things out there like social media that they would rather be doing . Especially because people have so much things to do and on their free time they don’t want to read .

D.Molo 8th

4/9/2019 02:25:30 am

This makes sense. Reading is fundamental and can teach you things you didn’t know. Social media has taken over and there need to be a balance.

J Mills 2nd pd.

4/8/2019 12:00:17 pm

The books children read are just not challenging enough. Thats a problem I noticed when I heard my cousin reading a book for school. The book he was reading was for kids alot younger than him and yet he still couldn’t read it fluently. I also think most books are not interesting enough. I think the books easily bore children and deter them from reading

L Delley 3rd period

4/22/2019 10:32:02 am

I disagree they can be exciting.

N. Medina 6th

4/8/2019 12:13:59 pm

I occasionally pick up a book and read. I notice many people my age chose not to because to them it doesn’t benefit them when in reality it does. Reading is everywhere and with the way our society speak and type people are losing the knowledge reading is bringing to them. I read for my own reasons because I actually like being interested in a book and seeing how it’ll end. I think everyone should check out BrownTeensRead.

D.Molo 8th

4/9/2019 02:23:46 am

I agree with this comment. Reading is very beneficial. BrownTeensRead is a great place for helping you understand this.

R. Garcia 8th

4/8/2019 12:28:27 pm

I will admit, my relationship with literature is not where i would like it to be. When assigned a book to read i am one of those students who groans with dread at the thought of the hours that would be spent reading said book. However, despite of how it may sound, my problem isn't with the task of reading itself. My problem lies with the absence of purpose in some of the assigned readings. When reading a book, i derive its value from the information and knowledge it provides me with as i feel the purpose of reading is to serve as a tool for obtaining information and comprehension of the world. I complain not because i don't appreciate reading, but rather because i don't find the information in the assigned books useful to me.

C.San Roman

4/9/2019 11:27:16 am

That sentiment is in my opinion valid. It is in our human nature to rebel whenever someone orders us to do something we dont want to do; ergo no student will read the books assigned. It is not that people dont like to read, it is the fact that they are being forced to.

D.Molo 8th

4/9/2019 02:21:05 am

Perusing ought to be a basic piece of our life. In understanding, some don't peruse books since they imagine that the books are obsolete and look exhausting. To be completely forthright, it will influence them contrarily, despite the fact that they state it won't. That is great to the point that your younger sibling is an excellent peruser. In conclusion, kids need to assume responsibility for their perusing, in the event that they need to prevail throughout everyday life.

C.San Roman

4/9/2019 11:24:17 am

To be honest, I never thought of reading in a perusing(careful)way, thank you for opening my mind

C.San Roman 2nd

4/9/2019 11:22:40 am

Reading has different meanings to every individual. To some, it can be a form of entertainment, to others, it could be source for knowledge and for the few, it can make people feel at ease and has been proven that six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels. Personally tho, I see it as both an outlet for entertainment and wisdom, and I know that I can read at a highschool level

J McCarter 2nd period

4/13/2019 06:37:10 am

I definitely agree, reading can make other people feel a certain way.

M.juquan 1sr period

4/12/2019 08:02:32 pm

reading is merely a way to feed our brain . Without the fuel of reading I believe our minds would become extremely shallow .If I’m being honest ,I don’t see reading as entertainment ! I look at as : do I know enough to speak or have an influence on my loved ones ? If my answer is no then I’ll read up on the things I’m not sure about

J James 6th period

4/13/2019 06:40:18 am

I 100% agree, books to me are there to help you learn, grow and expand your way of thinking .

M Robinson 1st link

4/22/2019 02:45:35 pm

I agree with you if we didn’t read people would be lost, they wouldn’t be able to talk proper or anything

J James 6th period

4/13/2019 06:04:58 am

I did use to struggle with reading so as a punishment my parents made me read. At first I use to hate been them fell in love with reading and how it made me feel. Reading to me enlightens me and makes me feel more intellectual. For starters find something that peaks your interest. No matter what books are teachers give us we will never read as well as we would read a book that we have interest in. It’s a way to learn more and grow more.

J McCarter 2nd period

4/13/2019 06:29:21 am

I definitely agree with you, finding a book you are interested in will definitely help you.

J McCarter 2nd period

4/13/2019 06:21:55 am

The statistics found are definitely sad and are curable as stated. People always claim about not learning and not retaining information but don’t take the initiative to grow for themselves. Becoming a better reader has an easy fix. That’s is simply reading more books to better your knowledge and to open your eyes

C.Williams 6th prd

4/24/2019 04:23:14 am

People need to learn how to take accountability for their own knowledge and stop blaming the teachers. Because there is so much knowledge in this world you just have to find it, and reading will help tremendously.

L Delley 3rd period

4/22/2019 10:28:30 am

The truth is reading isn’t fun because there are more things we can do besides read. Reading can be fun if you interested in doing and not forced. When you’re forced to read it make you want to read less. I do believe reading is the key to success. I don’t think we want to succeed because we always hear the sayings on blacks and books and still don’t read.

M Robinson 1st link

4/22/2019 02:39:50 pm

When people read they gain more knowledge and helps them gain success and reach life goal. I feel like people are not learning anything because of technology these day brain washing every mind but if teens read they would be more successful and be able to talk more proper

C.Williams 6th prd

4/24/2019 04:21:33 am

The hide knowledge in the books from the black man, and we’re only proving them right.

A Breedlove 3rd

4/23/2019 08:05:23 pm

Reading is something that we all need in life, learn to enjoy what is given

C.Williams 6th prd

4/24/2019 04:20:22 am

To me, reading is opening the door to new ideas, thoughts, and learning about new things. While taking you into the mind of the author, being able to see things from their perspective. Reading is a time for me to buckle down and really think. I do consider myself as a great reader, simply because I am a very technical person and hate when I miss pronounce a word. I hated hearing other people read and they’ll skip over words and incorrectly say a word so I’ve tried my hardest not to be that person.

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Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

Bridge Builders

All subjects are vital to learning, but English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...

Grading Rubric

Learning Objectives

Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you