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Mother Goose
I am from the Mother Goose generation. My mother thought that it was very important for her firstborn to be familiar with the complete collection of Mother Goose rhymes. -
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My Literacy Timeline
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Dick and Jane
Yes, I did learn to read with Dick and Jane! I didn't find the stories boring at all. Look Jane. See Spot Run. -
The Lost Years
I graduated from elementary school without the love of literature that I tried to instill in my students when I was teaching fifth grade reading. For me, reading was something you did at school. -
Nancy Drew
I was finally bored enough to read the book I received for Christmas. "Hey, this Nancy Drew is a pretty cool chick. I wonder, Is she in any other books?" -
Romeo and Juliet
Seeing the movie really enhanced the reading of Romeo and Juliet in Senior English class--besides the whole senior class ended the evening at the Gold Buffet! As usual, the food is the most memorable part for me. -
Dropping out of College
I put my plans for a career in interior design on hold to marry Ed and begin a family. Since we couldn't afford cable, I read everything I could lay my hands on. Thorn Birds changed my life! -
I return to school with a new goal.
I enjoyed introducing my two sons to the joy of literature. Reading together was the best part of any day. I decided that I would change my major yet again. (Third time's the charm.) I worked as a substitute teacher while finishing my degree, and found that I liked middle school the best. Middle school reading and communication arts were my areas of emphasis. My first job was in a combined 7-8 grade classroom. What a memorable year--my poor students! -
Masters in Reading
After 12 years of teaching, I admitted my frustration with students who struggled with reading. I decided to get my masters in reading. I was sure that somewhere along the line, the wonderful instructors at NWMSU would reveal the secret for teaching reading that would work with all students. I was disappointed when I found out that these same instructors were also searching for the secret! -
Murder!
My own reading taste became a bit dark. After reading Ann Rule's The Stranger BesideMe about the mass murderer Ted Bundy, I was hooked on true crime stories. I guiltily traded books with a friend who was also "into murder." Our husbands assumed we were planning to "do them in." My mass murderer stage lasted for only 4-5 years, thankfully. -
Prarie Lands
My involvement with Prairie Lands during the summer had a profound effect on my literacy outlook. I began to think of myself as a writer, not just a person who teaches writing. Presenting "my literacy history" to the group reminded me that I come from a long line of writers--a poetry writing aunt, a textbook writing brother, and a letter writing mother. I have always been a saver of words. I keep notes, letters, poems, and greeting cards written by my favorite people in my special treasure box. -
The return of Mother Goose
I am overjoyed with my book loving grand-daughter, Maren. She's always ready for a cuddle and the reading of Mother Goose rhymes. Recognizing the rhythm of the poems, she often says, "Now let's sing it!" -
Reading Group
I joined a reading group--mostly teachers from my school--and I refined my taste in literature. I learned particulary what I don't like, namely romance--I skip the club meetings on those months. We all agree on Jody Picoult and Anita Shreve, and I particularly like memoirs like Angela's Ashes and Glass Castles. -
Retirement
I officially retired after 23 years of teaching middle school communication arts. I still loved teaching, but I was ready for something different. My friends predicted that I would take up bridge, quilting or geneology. Wrong!! Instead, I enthusiastically accepted a position at North Central Missouri College teaching college reading. I've expanded my "bag of tricks" for teaching reading, but the students are the same--just a bit taller.
