Assignment 1 - Amy Canterbury

What is your earliest memory of reading?
My earliest memory of reading was finding a book in the classroom. The label on the book was beneficial. The labels allowed us to identify if the book was appropriate for us. Everybody’s reading level was different. The labels did not embarrass anyone. Everybody took a book home in a plastic bag. I remember sitting with my mother to read my chosen book. She would provide help if I needed assistance. I would bring home different books throughout the year. The class would get stickers on their reading card from “The Book It” program. Everybody would receive a free personal pan pizza coupon from Pizza Hut when they read so many books. I felt proud of reading to gain a pizza. The pizza was little like me. I did not have to share my pizza with anyone. The pizza was as an incentive that made me feel accomplished.

Who read to you? Did they read to you often?
My mother read to me often. She used to read the tiny Christmas books to me. We still have those books. We hang them as ornaments on the Christmas tree. Barbie books were another favorite of mine. My mother and I would have discussions about the books. She would slide her finger under the words as she read to me.

What was your favorite book as a child?
I was interested in government and politics in fourth grade. I used to go to the library all the time to pick up historical biographies. The name of the book does not come to mind; however, I read a lot of books with information about Abraham Lincoln. Historical books made me appreciate the government and leaders of our country. I would always run to the biographic and historical section of the library first. My love for politics has remained. I still read the newspaper often to become aware of current events in the world.

Did you ever discover, love, and devour an entire series of books?
My parents purchased a few Dr. Seuss books for me. Dr. Seuss made me love words. I thought the wackiest word was better than simple words. Dr. Seuss gave me confidence because he was able to make up words. I liked spelling too. I did not feel bad if I misspelled a word since my misspelling could be considered a Dr. Seuss word. Dr. Seuss gave me freedom by using his imagination for his books.

Did you like to read as a child? Was reading a joy or a struggle?
I liked to read. Reading and getting books was a joyous experience for me. I enjoyed going to the library. I could spend countless hours appreciating books. I am thankful that my teachers and parents encouraged reading. Reading is a productive hobby. I like being able to check out different books and return them to sample various topics. Reading helped me grow as an individual. Books introduced new places, people, and thoughts to me.

Did your teachers read aloud regularly? What books did they read?
My teachers always read out loud from elementary to high school. I remember my fourth grade teacher reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. My eighth grade teacher read Animal Farm to the class. My eleventh grade teacher read The Adventures of Huck Finn aloud. I enjoyed the teacher reading to the class. I could focus on the story better. I did not have to stress about being call on to read a passage.

Did a book ever make a difference in your life?
Math was displeasing to me. I checked out the M&M addition and subtraction books. I read the books outside. I used to love to read outside under the tree. I got a bowl full of M&Ms. I used the M&Ms to execute the math examples as I read the books. Those books made math tolerable to me. Math would be better if they made more books using food to explain mathematical concepts to students. Kids would be able to process the information faster since they can touch, see, and eat the food.

Do you choose to read for pleasure now?
I currently read short stories instead of novels due to my busy schedule. Short stories can be very powerful. I can receive the same amount of fulfillment with a short story as I do with a novel. I have gotten interested with American literature. I adore the imagery of Fitzgerald. I am mesmerized by his style of writing. Newspapers are important to me. I always take time to read local and national news. Any type of reading can be beneficial. Newspapers are also a quick way to get informed. I have started collecting newspapers. There are many amazing events occurring. I would like to save them to share with future generations.