The purpose of reading

We, humans, invented writing/reading to keep track of things. Initially, writing was scribbles and pictures which developed into elaborate schemes intended to convey messages that are complicated and unambiguous.

You read something that you are interested in. You read something so that you learn something more about a topic of interest. You read because you want to learn, to expand your horizons. Reading starts with curiosity. Reading is maintained by curiosity.

When I moved in NYC, the first few months I practically slept on Broadway. Until the day I asked myself, I wonder if I already saw that show or not. Since then I have not been to Broadway and I make the point of going to cultural events at most 3-4 times per year so that I can retain definite memories and associations with the events I choose to attend.

Reading is the same way. Reading and learning are not measured in quantity but in quality. What did you take away after the 10-15 minute investment? Was it a time well-spent? If not how/ with what would you change it?

Raz Kids is a program offered through my daughter's school. It is a level program which offers selections in different genres and on different topics at a level. While variety is good, this good is abused. Children do not learn when they read nor they are interested in what they read. They simply rush through a text as a scanner scanning your item at the checkout of a grocery store. Reading is a dull competition. I have many objections to this program and I refuse to have my child follow it. I want my child to read books she wants to read. I want my child to enjoy reading. I want my child to read less but to enjoy her reading. I want my child to ask her own questions. I want my child to walk away with her own lasting dreams and associations with the book she is reading.

Reading is not a horse race. Reading is an experience. Reading is not a true/false question. Reading is an experience which cannot be evaluated. Ah, common core, you are a common chore, a common problem and a common nightmare. Millions of children will hate reading now, millions of children will lose motivation before they even have the opportunity to begin building motivation and desire. What a shame!