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The Gingerbread Man
I have a vivid memory from preschool when my mother introduced me to what would become my favorite book. She told me she bought it for me, and I would eagerly ask her to read it repeatedly. I must have been around three or four years old at the time. Remarkably, I still have that cherished book and enjoyed reading it to my own children. -
3rd grade reading
One memory from my third-grade reading journey remains vivid in my mind. Despite my confidence in reading fluently without errors, I found myself puzzled by why I wasn't grouped with my friends. It wasn't until later that I realized my struggles were rooted in comprehension and vocabulary, not in the act of reading itself. While I could decipher words effortlessly, expressing understanding and answering questions about the text definitely posed challenges for me for years. -
Poetry
I remember having a fondness for nursery rhymes as a child. I then started to like poetry during my elementary school years due to a teacher that introduced it in her classroom. I distinctly recall delving into the works of Shel Silverstein, whose books marked my initial dabble into reading. This early fascination with poetry endured throughout the years, inspiring me to even play around with my own verses during high school and for several years beyond. -
Pizza Hut Rewards
I recall during middle school, there was a book reading program that students can participate in which would lead to an incentive. By reaching a specific book count, we earned a prized 'free pizza' reward. This motivated me to dive into reading with enthusiasm. -
My new friend and a new chapter
In my 8th grade year of middle school, I met my best friend who was passionate about reading. She introduced me to the world of novels and sparked some new interest in reading. -
History
In my freshman year of high school, we studied World War II history in class, which ignited a profound interest in me. I began avidly reading books centered around that era, particularly those focusing on the Holocaust. The depth of human suffering saddened me deeply. I immersed myself in both fiction and non-fiction books of that time, often finding myself completely absorbed within the pages. -
Barnes and Noble
There was something about being inside a Barnes and Noble Bookstore that compelled me to pick up a book. Perhaps it was the scent of freshly printed pages, or maybe it was the meticulous arrangement of books on shelves. I enjoyed reading, and I distinctly recall losing myself in the pages of various books during my visits there. It quickly became one of my favorite places to study, pick up a book and a cup of coffee, a habit that persisted for a few years. -
Early exposure to reading
During my pregnancy, I immersed myself in many informational books, ranging from pregnancy and childhood development to self-help literature. As I delved into these subjects, I began to appreciate the significance of reading even more. I made it a habit to read aloud to my child while they were still in utero, recognizing the value of early exposure to language and storytelling.=) -
Read read read
Reading to my infant was a priority from the start. I often found myself in the nursery reading nighttime books. Despite the rising popularity of the Kindle around 2007. I continued to gather physical books for my children, wanting them to be surrounded by the tangible presence of literature and a future love for reading. -
A house full of readers
By 2013, I had three children who were avid readers. Picking up a book without being asked or told; and often, reading till they fall asleep. As a child, reading wasn't emphasized in my family as either enjoyable or essential. However, with age, I came to appreciate its significance, particularly, through the years, in language development. I take pride in instilling a love for reading in my children, and I'm pleased to have even inspired my husband to embrace a good book now and then. -
Pandemic 2020
The pandemic resulted in homeschooling for my five children, with me taking on the role of their educator. Among them, I had a preschooler and a Kindergartener, while my youngest struggled with speech delay/DD, prompting a collective effort to support him. Reading became a cornerstone of our family routine...we read together, independently, and took turns reading to him, fostering a love for books and language in our home.