Everyone is a Reader

Teaching Intensive classes for Middle School has helped me connect with all kinds of readers. Students who love reading as a hobby, or perhaps like having it as a part of their bedtime routine. But then there are students, and if I'm being honest with myself it's most of my students, that would say they don't like reading. Hate it even.

A lot of our dislike for something comes from not having the tools to do it well or the confidence to find comfort in our ability.

Too often the evil in comparison screams the lies that we're not good enough, that we don't have what it takes. In reading, that could be the lie that:

• I don't read fast enough

• I don't read hard enough books

• I don't read big enough books

• I don't read often enough

• No one else is reading the genre I am

and more...

If we can find it in ourselves to know that everyone is just trying to do their best (and that we are ALL worried about these things) then hopefully we can rally together in encouragement. Just start somewhere. Pick up a short book, a picture book, something that someone recommended, and take it one page at a time. As you read over time it will get easier for you which will only boost your confidence.

If I only had one piece of advice for you in the meantime though, it would be this: Read with a friend. Share your books and talk about what you're reading. Community helps us connect with others as well as creates a safe space for us to grow and explore.

As far as the tools part goes, I'll leave it here: audio books are your friend!

There are all types of classes, focus or community groups, books clubs, and more that you can join and will help you develop the tools that you need to read well. To get started, I think the easiest and most enjoyable tool will always be the audiobook. You can sign in to your public library's website where they should have a few different options available; I really like the Libby app.

Everyone is a reader! We have what is takes and there are books out there that will touch your soul and you will love, you just have to find them ;)

Happy reading friends!

XO