Reading Requirements
Going all the way back to 2nd grade I can still recall having to read a certain amount of pages of a book each week. There was a cart full of books in the back of the classroom where everyone had to choose books to help them reach the total number of pages that were required. We were then suppose to take it home, read it, and have our parents sign a piece of paper saying we read what we said we read. It went fine the first few weeks.
I managed to pick out all of the short books with lots of pictures. I could typically finish the book on the bus ride home. Then a few weeks later, the only books that were left were ones that were longer and had fewer pictures. Not only did I not feel like reading them on the bus ride home, I certainly didn't want to read them at home with a basketball goal sitting just outside my window. Several times I tried to just hide in my room and play with toys until I thought enough time had passed where I could have finished with my assignment while thinking I might fool my parents. For some reason it never worked. Apparently they read the books before me and could quiz me later.
So, I would find some other kid in the room who had already read that book and quiz them on it before I took the book home. Then when I would get home and mom and dad would quiz me, I would try to string together answers based on my interview with my fellow classmate. I know what you are thinking...again...precious! It wasn't that I didn't know how to read, it's just that I didn't want to.
5 comments:
And now you read about 100 books a year because you WANT to. Loco.
I know, and they usually don't have pictures.
Here's the deal for me. I have really been working to get more reading in to my day. But I have found the following issues:
1) Reading makes me tired. Can't explain it. I was reading a small book with large print last night and after about 5 pages dozed off. If I have insomnia, one of my trick to fall asleep is to read. Usually does the trick.
2) I'm at the stage in life to get on or off the train with regard to career or vocation. I've been reading many positive, this is what separates the winners from the losers books recently. I seem to only have the natural instinct to have about 60-70% of the the traits . The others I struggle with. I mean brick wall struggle. I keep reading to find the one author who has the magic key that unlocks my creativity.
The problem? At some point you've got to stop reading and start doing. But if you have no idea what the "do" is, you then keep reading. Now I'm not saying stop reading. But there does come a point when you've got to be able to use what you've learned.
Any others have that wall?
Good point. I definitely hit that wall from time to time. I just make myself push through. I use to deal with the tiredness as well and on occasion fiction books will do that to me still. I find that non-fiction get me a lot more excited about things because I am always mentally picturing myself applying the principles I learned and I like what that looks like. I tend to picture my future self and as I read. I also find it helpful to make sure you have a plan to apply at least one principle from the book you are reading.
I relate Johns...
I am in a serious transition myself and am STUCK in the middle... (Paul Simon's chorus just ran through my head.
I am in a "why read?" mode. What's the point? Reading can be a self-absorbed action like anything else, an escape that is morally unquestioned. An addiction like drugs for some.
That is a radical pov, but for some it is true.
I think a lot about acquiring wisdom. if my reading is moving me in this direction, it is good. if not, it is toxic.
Then again, maybe I think too much and should just "do"
Interesting topic to explore.
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