Hey #JustWrite! The conversation of reading and literacy has been heavy lately with a few teacher pages I follow on social media. As time moves forward, the less we are seeing some of the youth engaged in reading books and critical thinking. Furthermore, with the acceleration of technology advances and removal of books in certain spaces, we are once again facing a crisis within an already broken system. As you all know, during the month of March, schools across the nation celebrate
Reading Across America, a day specifically set aside "to promote literacy, motivate children to read, and foster a lifelong love of reading by making it fun and accessible, encouraging kids to see themselves in books, and recognizing reading's power to open up new worlds and opportunities, often centered around Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2nd."
To take it a step further, the school system that I was educated in recently featured me in an
Author's Chair Spotlight showcasing local authors on social media while also highlighting the necessity of reading and the many possibilities it brings. In additon, local businesses and residents volunteered their time reading to students. For quite some time, I've been reflecting on what I call the analog vs. digital way of living. I grew up in an era that balanced both worlds and as I have navigated through different phases of life, I'm truly thankful for the experiences that meshed the two, while also appreciating the history and struggle of those who created before our time. In present day, we can all agree that there is a huge disconnect and discomfort with our youth as it relates to information and how it's processed through literacy, researching, and comprehension. The disconnect comes from a resistance with the current generation vs. the previous generation and how the conversations and opportunities to educate are lacking. We hear all the time that the babies are not trying to hear anything the elders are saying and the elders are 'set in their ways'. What we do know is that with the current climate that we're in, there are more students graduating without the skills and concepts of analysis and comprehension of any information presented to them. There's no consistency as well as intentionality and initiative shown. It is my hope and prayer that many are waking up and looking back to the simplicity and importance of reading books and having conversations about what is read while sharing those experiences with family and friends. Yes, we have to get with the times as people say but there has to be a balance in how we engage with each other through books and technology which can be an example for the younger generations. Technology as it's always been, should be a supplement, not a replacement for brain power. Also, I encourage having those hard conversations about certain subjects that bring discomfort to the youth (historical events, i.e. slavery, politics, US history, World history, etc.) Meet students where they are and allow students to have a voice with the way they express their feelings on certain subjects. This action as we know can be well supported with writing exercises, research projects, etc. Let's get back to learning and loving the process.
Speaking of loving the process, #JustWrite, get READy this Spring to engage even more the WRITE way as a new podcast is being launched:
Open UP: You Have to Write to Tell Your Story!! This is an opportunity to join a space created for you to find your voice by "pausing, reflecting, and opening up."
In conclusion, as we continue through the month with the Read Across America initiatives, here are some ways to celebrate:
1. Read-Aloud Sessions
2. Dress Up as a Book Character
3. Reading Challenges
4. Create Cozy Reading Spaces
5. Book Talks and Scavenger Hunts
6. Write Your Own Story
The last one says, "write your own story." It's been 10 years (3/12/16) since our 1st Writer's workshop where we created our own story. Here's a recap from that
experience. Here's to happy reading and happy writing!
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
