1. My Life as a Reader and Writer

2. K1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 th 6 th 7th The Letter People Story Time with Carpet Squares Writing my Dinosaur Report 1 st Library Card We only read from a textbook in reading groups The Boxcar Children Series Book Reports – YUCK! More textbook – I didn’t like to read! Island of the Blue Dolphins – Yuck! Bedtime stories Read mysteries and historical fiction on my own My Reading Timeline

3. What are your earliest memories of reading or being read to? I remember Bedtime stories every night. My Mom or Dad would read to me from a book from my bookshelf. Sometimes my brother or sister would tell me a story. I also remember having a bookshelf in my bedroom and playroom. I would sit for hours looking through the pages of the books. The first book I could read by myself was called Silly Dilly Duck.

4. What books helped you learn to read? I remember having “Golden Books.” They had gold binding and pictures on every page. We had stacks of them in our playroom. My favorite was There’s a Monster at The End of This Book.

5. Who was important in your life as you learned to read and write? My whole family was very instrumental! My mom and dad read to me and set a good example by reading themselves. I witnessed my sister and brother reading a lot, too. My brother wanted to be a writer and liked to write screenplays. Since I idolized my brother, I decided I wanted to be a writer, too! When my mother began working in my school’s library, I became more of a reader.

6. My brother and I My supportive family

8. What were your favorite childhood books? My favorite book when I was very little was Happy Birthday, Moon. I also liked The Bernstein Bear Books! When I was older, I was a huge Boxcar Children Fan.

9. Do you have a library card? Do you remember when you got it? I received my first library card when I was in 1 st or 2 nd grade. My mom planned a special day for the two of us, which included lunch and a trip to the library. I can still remember signing my name to the back of the flimsy paper card. The only books I was interested in looking at were books about bears! Brunswick Library

10. What school activities helped you learn to read and write? I learned the alphabet from The Letter People while in Kindergarten. In 1 st grade, we had weekly themes and we’d read stories and do activities related to the theme. I would get really excited about it because my teacher was enthusiastic. I had a Phonics folder that I had to take home and practice sounding out and spelling words.

12. What (if anything) turned you off to reading? I disliked reading in upper elementary school and middle school. In 5 th grade, we were forced to read a certain number of books and do a book report. We mostly read from a boring textbook. Finally, in 8 th grade we read some great books such as To Kill a Mockingbird, but we also read some that I didn’t like. I had no choice in what I read.

13. What and when do you read now? I spend most of my reading time preparing for work. I tend to read young adult novels in order to stay current and be able to provide recommendations to my students. I also read a lot for school because I’m finishing my masters degree. I also read a lot online!

14. My Current View of Reading I believe reading opens the door for many opportunities and experiences. I enjoy teaching Reading because it allows me to share my passion for literature.