Struggling Readers Need A Bond

Yesterday I went to see the class I had for four months in Houston. They looked older, beginning to sport those summer swim tans, and they had those same eager eyes.

Yes, I notice their eyes, and I made a point to look into each one. I told them each how much they meant to me, and how I cared so much about them and the journey they were on as readers.

I told them that if I was that little voice in the back of their minds that encouraged them to read, to write, to learn, I was incredibly honored and glad.

I could see the connection with many of them. A connection that wasn't there day one of Third Grade.

I firmly believe readers need to find a person in their lives that spur them on and fill them with inspiration.

Mine was Mrs. Grube and Eve Bunting...think about who inspired you. Who gave you this feeling that reading is important and fun...you have it, because now you are reading this in hopes of passing that passion on to your child.

Those are the people who set us on our path...but there are others all along the way who keep cheering for us, moving us along.

Thank you, my dear classes...you have made an impact on my life. Even though it seemed a short while, and I am not in your yearbook, I hope you remember - not me, but what I hope you can take with you forever...the inspiration to learn and read.