The Closet Reader

I was the oldest of five children. My mother relied on my assistance with household chores and cooking. Peace and quiet was commodities obtained when others had gone to bed or when I could hide in a closet and read. My closet was located under the stairs and provided a hideaway where I could sneak away from the commotion. I could get in the closet and not be missed for thirty or forty minutes. We did not have a TV, which was actually beneficial. I entertained myself with books.

My first experience with reading was in first grade. I learned to read with Dick and Jane. I may have been reading some environmental print prior to first grade but I don’t recall. Word recognition was easy for me. Reading later was pleasure and learning. Fourth grade was a turning point when I began reading to find out more, not because I had to, but because I wanted to know. I began reading biographies about Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Sacagewea and Lewis and Clark. Later I delved into fairy tales. I consumed everything I could find in the library that interested me.

As I matured Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys satisfied my hunger.

When my high school career was ending, I read less as a result of dating and working to save for college. At college I was busy reading for classes and with work-study, less time was left for pleasure reading. I remember reading The Exorcist as my freshmen year began. I read, but read not as much for pleasure.

I read books sporadically during the next fifteen years. My reading was limited to magazines while visiting the doctor or dentist’s office. I married, worked, and began a family. As my children grew I read to them constantly. The pediatrician recommended I read with my son when he was six months old. As he grew, I might spend thirty minutes reading to him before he went to sleep. I believe in the benefits of oral reading. I’m sure their success in school is related to early reading. I filled my children’s lives with story.

I began reading for relaxation and pleasure again about fifteen years ago. The first book, I remember, was Little Tree by Forrest Carter. I haven’t slowed since. I have read all Tony Hillerman mysteries. I immerse myself with the southwest and Navajo culture. I identify with the spirit of “hozro” (harmony). I believe the world would be improved if we lived in harmony. The Navajo, who refer to themselves as “the people,” have it right.

My interest in history is the driving force for most of my reading material. I accidentally became acquainted with Sharon McCrumb last year. A movie, Songcatcher, led me to read the book by McCrumb. Then I read four more books by McCrumb, one of which was The Ballad of Frankie Silver.

People also inspire me. I enjoy reading material about the human psyche. That energizes and creates the story of “me” as I evolve, becoming the friend, teacher and mother I choose. Reading takes me places that I can’t physically or mentally go outside of a book.

I taught second grade for ten years and am now teaching first grade. I believe reading builds a sense of self worth in all learners. Sounds and blending sounds are important for first graders. Children that don’t know sounds have difficulty learning to read. Some reading is by sight, but knowing sounds is critical to decoding words.

When children are comfortable with their skills, they blossom. The reverse is true when they aren’t.

I love reading and still to this day entertain myself with books. My attitude about reading is visible when I communicate with students. If I speak in a positive manner and value the fun, knowledge, and information that can be wrought from reading, then my students will want the same fulfillment. I really enjoy watching children become successful readers. This is what satisfies and challenges me as a teacher/reader.