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Reading For Cookies
I will never forget the incentive my first grade teacher had for excelling in reading. His incentive program encouraged us as students and still is embedded as a clear memory in my education. His name was Mr.C and when you met goals in reading he gave paper cookies as rewards. When you received a paper cookie it could be turned in for a an actual cookie of your choice at the end of the day. This was such an encouraging way to motivate first graders. -
Sticky Note Reading
In second grade I clearly remember struggling. I was continuously failing my accelerated reading tests. I remember my teacher showing me a technique that helped pass accelerated reading tests. I had a hard time comprehending and remembering what I was reading about. She had me write paraphrases on each page of my books on sticky notes of my books. When I finished my books I would go through and read the sticky notes to refresh my memory. -
Junie B. Jones
In second grade I fell in love with the author of Junie B. Jones. She was such a relatable character at my age. Her character created so much humor in second grade. I started her series and had a hard time putting my book down. I read through all of her series by the end of second grade. I struggled with reading and comprehending and this year was a thriving year for me. -
Becoming An Author
Third grade was when I remember actually enjoying reading. Prior to my struggle in second grade, I did not enjoy getting into a book until second grade. I remember every Friday in third grade we had a special volunteer grandmother come in who was an author. We were able to freely write and be our own author. The volunteer would bind the story and publish them like we were an author. I still have these mini stories I wrote to this day. -
Library Helper
In fifth grade I was able to be in an elective class of being a library assistant. I remember this class allowed me to help other students find books that were fitting to them. This helped me learn different categories of stories. I remember this really helped grow my love for reading. -
Star Reading
In fifth grade I can remember receiving the star reader award. I won a free pizza from Pizza Hut. It was such an exciting moment as a child and my parents were so proud. It encouraged me to reach my reading goal again and receive the reading award again. -
Twilight Series
After my middle school education reading was not something I liked to do on my free time. I remember when the Twilight series came out and all I wanted to do was read. I was never one to get into Harry Potter or other popular series. Twilight really caught my attention and love for books when I was in high school. -
Life Changes
When I graduated high school I spent a year in college still not finding enjoyment in reading. Life soon took a turn and I became pregnant at a young age. I was too scared to confide in my parents. I was young and did not know much about what I was getting in to. I searched for every book I could about how to take care of a newborn. Reading was my sense of security and my only hope in this huge life change I was about to have. -
Meeting the Author
As mentioned before reading has not been one of my passed time favorites. I have a hard time getting into reading when my mind runs a million miles an hour. When one of my favorite hobbies of decorating became an author it sparked my attention to reading. The Property Brother's were one of my favorite shows to watch. They then became children's authors and I was able to meet them and get their story autographed. This experience really triggered my small amount of enjoyment in reading. -
Sparking Reading
As mentioned before reading has not been one of my favorite past times. I went on a long plane ride and forced myself to bring a book I might want to get in to. Although I knew reading was not something I chose to do. I knew I would have the time to relax and get into reading again. Relating to one of my favorite decorators I chose the book by Joanna Gaines. I could not put the book down the entire plane ride and every chance after that I got to read I could not wait to read again.
