Assignment 1

What is your earliest memory of reading?
Before I started Kindergarten, I went to a tutor for all subjects. My birthday fell after the cut-off date to begin school, and I cried forever because i couldn't start. So, my mom decided to hire a tutor so that i could feel like i was a student! It was a family friend, a retired school teacher, and she read to me and asked comprehension questions, just as teachers would do in the school.

Who read to you? Did they read to you often?
My grandmother and mom read to me the most. I also went to the library for their reading times every week. I do not remember being read to alot because I was very active as a child and could not sit for a long period of time! I never liked hearing bedtime stories either!!

What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved the Disney stories as a child. Dr.Suess books were great too, especially "Oh, the Places You'll Go." I really loved that one, because I have always loved to travel and go on road trips. I also remember reading "The Big Bad Wolf" alot. I think they were all favorites!

Did you ever discover, love and devour an entire series of books?
When I was younger, I did not have a favorite series of books. In later elementary days, I started reading Nancy Drew books and I loved them. (My mom was a big fan of those when she was younger too!) In college, I started reading the Scarpetta books by Patricia Cornwell. I love mystery books and anything to do with CSI and the FBI.

Did your teachers read aloud regularly? What books did they read?
My first grade teacher read to us everyday, but i do not remember what she read. Almost every year in elementary school, I remember the teachers reading to the class. In middle school, my 8th grade teacher read Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone to the class. it was very relaxing to not have to read it your self. I actually understood books better when they were read to me.

Did you like to read as a child? Was it a struggle or joy?
I honestly did not like to read. My mom and grandfather had the bookworm genes in the family, and I did not get them!! I loved to dance too much to take time to read. If I had to read, I did, but it wasn't because I was anxious to do so. It was more joy, though, no struggle.

Did a book ever make a difference in your life?
In the 6th grade, on the last day of school, my teacher read "Oh, the Places You'll Go" to the entire class. It was very emotional for everyone. The teachers were losing a good group of students and we were off to the middle school. I cried and I think half the class did too!

Do you choose to read for pleasure now?
I do not take time out of my day to read. I wish I would read more than magazines and stuff online, but I work too much to have the time. Now that school has started, I will have more time to read, but I'm sure it'll just be text books and such.