• Attending #RichmondWomensResourceCentre #039;s annual meeting tomorrow (May 17). Delighted to be associated w/ this #RichmondBC organization. #
• With 20+ families attending new #FamilyLiteracy prgm, need to use inexpensive materials.This week sliced pool noodles will do the job. #
• Promoting reading in school-aged children, article from @CaringforKids, the Canadian Paediatric Society http://t.co/lBYv5HEO #
• It's Your Health – a series of over 150 articles on a wide range of health and safety issues @HealthCanada http://t.co/1Bq7s4Wf #parenting #
• Duelling hedge trimmers working outside my home office this beautiful day. Neighbouhood gardens will look groomed for long weekend ahead. #
• #RichmondBC families: Summer comm'ty centre program registeration began last night. 5 spots out of 48 still open in #GettingReadyToRead #ECE #
• #ElizabethFry Reading program connects prisoners w/families. http://t.co/wJ2pYKjs #
• Just completed my profile of Penny Draper @CoteauBooks. Enjoyed her #historicalfiction 4 #youngreaders Belongs in every Cdn #SchoolLibrary #
• B.C. Book Prizes – here are the winners in the children's lit category http://t.co/acLx5pUt Congratulations to the nominees & winners! #
• Registration for Beginning to Read @ Steveston Community Centre, #RichmondBC begins Tuesday at 10PM. Will fill quickly. http://t.co/qj4oifer #
• Thank you for the follow @Taste0fItaly Happy to meet another #RichmondBC tweeter. #
• Thanks for the follow @gregorywalters – an author, a Canucks fan and a fellow British Columbian! Will watch for your #Orca book. #
• Thank you for the follow @summerdaylight. Always glad to meet authors. #
• Thank you for the follow @Onesuchpress . We love book publishers! #
• Thank you for the follow @MrPoetSmiles. Wishing you every success in reaching your goal. #
• Thank you for the follow Jodi @jodialtringer . I am also a crisscross applesauce "expert." #
• My hockey playing, 6'1" 14 year old son wrote me a lovely 16 line sonnet for Mother's Day. A lovely, sentimental surprise. #
• Thanks so much for including our preschool gardening resources in the Early Ed Daily Fran @FSSimon. in reply to FSSimon #
• Registration for our July Getting Ready to Read program begins Tuesday, May 15 at 10 pm #RichmondBC #Steveston #EarlyEd http://t.co/pi0lStP1 #
• Storytime for Mother's Day from my friends at Annick Press http://t.co/u8EiE39s @AnnickPress #MothersDay #
• Three gr, 9 boys throwing football around in our yard. Decided to get English homework done today:) Happy Mother's Day! #
• Poor health literacy is systemic w/ elderly, poor & new immigrants IOM Health Literacy Video: http://t.co/A9nsh0uT #literacy #poverty #aging #
• What is the prognosis for #health #literacy in your community? Health and the City: http://t.co/HS47dvVF via @youtube #
• Daily reading is the strongest factor in predicting higher levels of health literacy. It isn't just important for children to read everyday. #
• Have you tried asking your #preschool child to listen while you clap then clap the same rhythm back? Aids listening skills, concentration. #
• Gorgeous sunny day on the West Coast, can't say I am motivated to do homework or writing. Ought to be outside, enjoying the sunshine. #
• Let's Read Together for caregivers & preschoolers at #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC, Friday mornings at 10:30. #EarlyLiteracy #FamilyLiteracy #
• Gardening with children – check out our free #printables and #picturebook suggestions http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #EarlyEd #Edchat #gardening #
• Jody writes her final post about teaching a reluctant reader http://t.co/f5mEuEfG #middlegrade #EdChat #teaching #
• Modern definition of #motherhood = stressed & exhausted mothers. http://t.co/oSonJkko #

Looking at a reluctant reader’s experiences with books and reading

Magic Johnson. Albert Einstein. Cher. John Lennon. John F. Kennedy. Hans Christian Anderson. Orlando Bloom. Tom Cruise. Johnny. These people have a few things in common. They have presence, they made a difference, and, for a variety of reasons, didn’t love to read. For some, Orlando Bloom and Tom Cruise, reading was difficult. Learning Disabilities affect not only a child’s ability to read, but their confidence in doing so. Though it may be true for many of these well known individuals, it is not always a learning disability that affects a child’s desire to read. For Johnny, it was lack of interest, not ability. For others, it’s lack of time or exposure. Though he’s not a basketball player, a singer, or an inventor (as far as I know) Johnny has something in common with all of these people. Though he said at the beginning of the year that he would rather do anything other than read, he made a great effort. He will be remembered by me and by his classmates because, despite his aversion to reading, he stood out in the class. He embraced his own attitude and felt good about himself. He was also open minded enough to try new books and authors. He had enough presence in our classroom that the other reluctant readers were willing to try as well. That matters.

It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of the road for this school year. This will, in fact, be my final entry about Johnny. I’ve enjoyed watching him unfold as a student and as a reluctant reader. I don’t know that we turned him around entirely. He claims that he still does not love school or reading and would much rather ride his bike. However, with less and less prompting and suggestions each month, Johnny has managed to read more than a half a dozen books since September. Not only that, but two days ago he came to me and showed me his latest library book: Lunch Money. I had no part in him choosing this book. In fact, when I told him that I had some other students who LOVED Andrew Clements, he said, “Well my friend told me it was good so I’m reading a book he liked and he’s reading one I suggested”. And I thought, wow. Johnny and his friend, two hockey boys who like to goof around and have fun, had a conversation at some point that entailed each of them sharing their thoughts on a book and recommending one they enjoyed to each other. To me, that seems like an excellent place to “part ways” on this journey. I say that rather than “conclude” the journey because Johnny is going to wander a different path now, one toward grade six and I am going to get a whole new group in September. But I hope that Johnny’s path will continue to include reading and that he feels good about the reading accomplishments he made this year. I hope that he becomes less and less reluctant over time to pick up a book and fall into it. Even if he doesn’t I hope he thinks back about this year and realizes that his willingness to try regardless was stronger than his reluctance to read. That too, matters.

• I will be presenting Ready for Reading at St. Francis of Assisi School, #VancouverBC on Monday, May 14th. #EarlyEd #ParentEd #
• Happy to say, I've brought some sense of order to my home office. The floor is clear, receipts are filed. Just need some time for reading. #
• Use flannelboards, puppets or props for #storytime Check out the new #flannelfriday site http://t.co/y6obLubr #
• Thank you for the Rt Beth @balmeras #
• Thanks so much for including us in the Parent/Teacher Daily Deb @DebChitwood. Appreciate it very much. in reply to DebChitwood #
• "I'm A Little Teapot" is one of my favourite #storytime resources. TY Jane Cobb & Black Sheep Press @bspvancouver http://t.co/kFDbeQQm #
• Theme for Friday's Let's Read Together at #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC is "Families." Am developing learning materials: "What Do Families Do?" #
• Yes, Jody, @1prncs you are absolutely right. What might seem obvious to an adult, can be quite daunting for a child. in reply to 1prncs #
• Always interested to see if I can accurately predict #Qwitters Happy to say, I went 3 for 4 this week. http://t.co/k2OwWxN1 #
• Good to find you on Twitter Sally @salbooks62. Have #ForTheLoveOfReading Books to Build Lifelong Readers on my shelf. TY for suggestions. #
• Enjoyed #HereComesHortense Heather @HeatherHartt Did you see our post? http://t.co/GZ0Q6xJU @TundraBooks #picturebook #blendedfamily #
• We'd like to suggest Bright Red Kisses by #TeresaToten & Deirdre Betteridge for a #MothersDay storytime http://t.co/68xmNlml @AnnickPress #
• Thank you for the retweet Suzanne @SuzanneDelRizzo in reply to SuzanneDelRizzo #
• How cool is it that Iowa City Public Library is already promoting their Summer Reading Program? Like the poster too! http://t.co/qMwbrsv7 #
• Hello @TundraBooks – thought you'd like to know #KateCantWait is a featured #picturebook for my #gardening w/kids page http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #
• Hi Peggy @peggysbooks. Expect you'd like to know, #InTheGarden is featured in my #EarlyEd #Gardening post: http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #ECE #
• #Gardening theme for #kindergarten #preschool. Free #EarlyEd printables, #picturebooks + photos of my garden http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #ECE #
• Thanks for much for your RT Koo @UlkuR. Hope you had a great weekend #
• More #KindergartenReadiness does your child know his full name? is she willing to help tidy up? does he show an interest in books? #EarlyEd #
• Still w/ #KindergartenReadiness can your child follow directions & spend 5-10 mins on a task? #EarlyEd #
• More about #KindergartenReadiness – encourage your child to adjust to new situations confidently & use the washroom independently. #EarlyEd #
• Thinking about your child's #KindergartenReadiness Some ways to help – encourage your child to face challenges by problem solving. #EarlyEd #
• A delightful #picturebook celebrating #fatherhood Some Dads… written & illustrated by Nick Bland@nickblandbooks http://t.co/ncugCKhJ #
• Sept 15 2012 will be #InternationalDotDay Follow @peterhreynolds and be part of the fun! #picturebooks #creativity #outsidethebox #
• Thrilled to say Let's Read Together at Cambie Br. #RPL #RichmondBC is thriving. 41 children & their caregivers in attendance today #literacy #
• Thank you for sharing news of #PresidentsChoice eliminating #ArtificialColours @TeachersKorner. All parents ought to applaud this decision. #
• Thank you for the #Shakespeare follow @S_SpeareJohn. I shall especially look forward to your Macbeth tweets! #poetry #literature #
• Thrilled with this news! "Loblaws to remove artificial colours and flavours" http://t.co/fnUS8aox /via @globeandmail #

• Hi @HarperChildrens: You have sent me 3 DM, requesting that I DM you my address. I have replied 3X. Could you please check your DM ? in reply to HarperChildrens #
• Excited about growth of Let's Read Together @ #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC Join us Fri mornings at 10:30. TY @decodaliteracy #literacy #
• Orca whales seen this afternoon enroute from Vancouver Island to mainland #BCFerries #BeautifulBritishColumbia http://t.co/jht9ugwF #
• Love receiving late night emails & DM about my #ParentEducation workshops for #BritishColumbia families. #earlyliteracy #
• Thank you for the follow @Quitline4MSMoms . Glad to hear of your important work. #
• Use a colourful beach ball w/your #preschool class. Toss the ball to a child. Which colour begins with /gr/ /bl/ /r/ /y/? #EarlyEd #ECE #
• Today's theme at Let's Read Together was colours. Audrey Wood's The Deep Blue Sea plus a colourful beach ball added phonemic awareness fun. #
• Our Let's Read Together program at #Cambie Library, #RichmondBC is growing! 20 children & their caregivers today! Join us Fridays 10:30 am #
• Disappointed by fellow #RichmondBC driver this a.m. Rolled down her BMW window, dropped cigarette pkg onto road #sad #entitlement. #
• Excited to win a DEAR prize pack from @HarperChildrens. Thanks so much for the cheery news! #
• Thank you for your positive, uplifting follow @KidsHappyHearts. #
• Thank you for the follow Crabtree Publishing @CrabtreePub Appreciate your #educational resources. #

• Fingers crossed. 17 year old son heading off for 1st, non-volunteer job interview. #WishHimLuck #motherhood #
• If you are #parenting a #Canadian teen, I can strongly recommend Encounters With Canada @EWC_FYICanada youth forum. https://t.co/6pzVQa9B #
• Am working on a profile of #PennyDraper @CoteauBooks for @kidsbookcentre & #CanadianChildren #039;sBookNews. Great juvenile #historicalfiction #

As a want-to-be writer, I find it fascinating that some authors can slip back and forth between genres and age groups. It shows a wide range of talent when an author produces a best selling thriller and then follows it up with a highly entertaining graphic novel. James Patterson and John Grisham are powerful examples of authors who show this flexibility on a regular basis. What really shows their strength as writers, however, is that the books they write for their younger audiences are so appealing to adults as well. Aside from providing more great reading material, authors such as these are also providing a unique way for parents (or teachers) and children (or students) to connect.

Patterson’s latest young adult novel is Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life. The quick and fun chapters, along with the sketch graphics and the humor of two friends trying to get through their first year of middle school make it a great read. I laughed out loud at parts, remembering my own middle school days. While it connects with many of the students in the upper elementary grades, it definitely reaches out to boys.

Finding things in common with our kids (and students) is extremely important. They live in a fast-paced world of texting, Facebook, and instant messages. They are “connected” in ways that we never were. We need to jump on the opportunities to share meaningful conversations with them whenever we can. Taking an interest in what your kids are reading can be a way to start these conversations.

I had a Teacher on Call come in for me last week for a half day. I showed up right before the lunch bell and we were discussing how the morning went. I asked about a few students in particular and she made a comment that got me to thinking about this post: she had brought in the book The Mocking Jay, the third in the Hunger Games trilogy, so that she could read it while waiting for a friend after work. When a few of the students noticed she had it, they began asking her whether she liked it, had she finished it, did she like the others. The fact that she was reading a book that many of them are absorbed in right now created an instant connection, which is not always easy to do as a teacher on call.

Kids always find it a bit surprising when they realize that you may enjoy some of the same things they do. I have had wonderful conversations about Harry Potter, Holes, Twilight, Hunger Games, and a variety of other books that kids are hooked on. My enthusiasm is real and the kids respond to that. They want to know what you think, what you liked, and if you got to a certain part yet. I tell the kids how I feel about the books that we have in common and they feel open to sharing their thoughts. My class knows that even though I really liked Hunger Games, I stopped reading the trilogy because, for me, it was too sad. We ended up having a conversation about what makes us put down a book, what makes us go back to it, or what makes it so we absolutely cannot put it down.

I believe that connecting with kids strengthens our relationships with them and makes teaching them more successful. Try reading something your child is reading; aside from connecting with your child, you’ll likely find yourself reading a great book as well.

• Thank you for the pro #library RT Ann @anndouglas #
• Where would you be without your library?: http://t.co/PQAAQqpv via @youtube #LibraryLove #
• Here Comes Hortense! @TundraBook new #picturebook about emotions, blended families, jealousy http://t.co/GZ0Q6xJU #childrenbooks #EarlyEd #
• Have you seen the celebrity #GetCaughtReading posters and wallpapers? #reading #booklover http://t.co/Gy2DUZEh #
• Am fooling aroung with #Pinterest today. If you are on Pinterest and would like me to check out your boards, pls DM with favourites. #
• Warm thanks for the follow @END_BULLYCIDE. We strongly support #PinkShirtDay and other #antibullying efforts. #
• Encourage children to "read" #EnvironmentalPrint in your community today. #preschool #learning #EarlyEd #kindergarten http://t.co/TJQSeAjT #
• Good to meet you @PublishSuccess . Will look forward to your #publishing tweets. #
• Thank you for the follow Sandy @Abcteach Great to check out your #EarlyEd resources on Pinterest. #
• Thank you for the follow @LauraLamereblog #creativity #parenting #
• Have completed my final column for this school year. #CouncilofParentParticipationPreschoolsinBC newsletter. #summertime #CPPPinBC #BCEd #
• Thank you for the follow @MikeVeny . My son is a drummer – off to a lesson tonight. We love music in our home. #
• So true, a relaxed, enjoyable bedtime story is much more valuable than a tense, purpose-driven "learning experience." @byHeatherRoss in reply to byHeatherRoss #
• Today we look at bright, bold, stylish #picturebook #PaulThurlby'sAlphabet http://t.co/FvOcWRyH @Candlewick #Childrensbook #EarlyEd #
• Thanks so much for the follow @NWTLiteracy. I value and appreciate your work. #literacy #EssentialSkills #NorthWestTerritories #
• You can't put a price-tag on literacy | Claire Provost http://t.co/ko6RfWK9 via @guardian #
• When considering #preschool for your child, I strongly recommend a Parent Participation Preschool. Be involved. #ECE http://t.co/FPItlgc2 #
• Salmon Creek by Annette LeBox & Karen Reczuch looks @ the life cycle of a #cohosalmon http://t.co/q8MGmrbz #EnvironmentalAwareness #EarthDay #
• Hickory Dickory Dock #NurseryRhymes promote #PhonemicAwareness & #ReadingReadiness Share some with your #toddler http://t.co/RBbXUrxO #ECE #
• 1 week remaining in my #FamilyLiteracyInTheCommunity program thru @VCCishere. Many practical applications to my #literacy work, #RichmondBC #
• Get outside and get to Know your wild neighbours. Check out this year's #GetToKnow contest for Canadians. http://t.co/SocSJX6x @RBGetToKnow #
• "One good teacher in a lifetime may sometimes change a delinquent into a solid citizen." ~
  Philip Wylie #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
• "Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition." ~ Jacques Barzun #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
• #WePlantedATree a #picturebook by Diane Muldrow, is celebration of trees & the impact of planting just one. http://t.co/tvld35ez #EarthDay #
• Make time for some fun this weekend. #PsychologyToday suggests we should build our playlist http://t.co/DXTTyso7 #parenting #mentalhealth #
• E is for Environment by Ian James Corlett – 26 thought-provoking chapters encourage #EnvironmentalAwareness http://t.co/Wqt2eM2d #EarthDay #
• Please join us – #Richmond Library offers English learning program for families and caregivers http://t.co/vo6hkhL5 via @BlackPressMedia #
• Two spectacular rides aboard @BCFerries today. Thank you for being on-time, courteous service, safe ride. #BeautifulBC http://t.co/m8eTdLSz #
• Look at global warming w/kids #Picturebook #WinstonOfChurchill promotes #EnvironmentalAwareness http://t.co/4MWU80Ol #EarthDay #
• Children will love this #EarthDay matching/domino game http://t.co/gSn1R43f #recycling #environmentalawareness #
• "Nine-tenths of education is encouragement." ~ Anatole France #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
• #GeorgeSavesTheWorldByLunchtime an #ecofriendly #picturebook http://t.co/27OKm86E suggests ways to #conserve #recycle #reuse #EarthDay #ECE #
• Free #EarthDay #PDF #printables for children. http://t.co/gSn1R43f #EarlyED #ECE #
• Please join me for #LetsReadTogether – adults and preschool-aged children. #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC Friday mornings at 10:30 #Learning #
• Thank you for the #PictureATree RT @scholasticCDA. It is a beautiful #picturebook Perfect for #Spring and EarthDay. #
• One week remaining in #FamilyLiteracyInTheCommunity at #VCC This course is directly related to much of my #literacy work in #RichmondBC TY #
• A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops. ~ Henry Adams #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
• Michael Foreman's #OneWorld explores ways young children can help to care for our world #EarthDay http://t.co/I71cI9lm #EarlyEd #picturebook #
• Thank you for the follow Doug @EduFunToys #educationaltoys #parenting #
• Canadians concerned about the environment will want to check out the 2012 #GetToKnow Contest details. http://t.co/LRYo1SNk @RBGetToKnow #

• Add #PictureATree by Barbara Reid @scholasticCDA to your #EarthDay classroom library http://t.co/xXRAx9xq #Ecosystems #picturebook #EdChat #
• PSST – Your school, your culture, keep it safe. http://t.co/jbvp0k9C #Antibullying #SurreyBC #
• Earth Day is Apr 22 #AllTheWaterInTheWorld is a terrific #picturebook for #ecofriendly themes #WaterCycle #Conservation http://t.co/vadFPL5G #
• Thank you for the follow @Alphabet_Kids Look forward to your #diversity #earlyed tweets . #
• Am considering a change to my webhosting. Looking at #Costco Canada's "dot Canada". Price is hard to beat. Wondering if anyone can comment. #
• #EarthDay is April 22. Check out these #green #picturebook suggestions for helping children learn about our environment http://t.co/IhqvLn26 #
• Weekly Let's Read Together (drop in) starts Fri, April 13, 10:30 am at #Cambie Library #RichmondBC Literacy program for adults & children. #
• Today is the last day to access our #Free #Spring #EarlyEd #printables w/o becoming a member of http://t.co/oGCLSVIt http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #
• When was the last time you read a book? The truth now. And picture books don't count-I mean something with print in it. ~ William Goldman #
• Just wondering… @xpcwebhosting When you decided to unfollow, did you realize I am a client? #regrettable #
• What does a #hockeymom do when the postseason arrives? Arrange for on ice & dryland training of course. My boy wants to be ready for #Midget #
• Reading gives one something to think about other than one's self. ~ Tom Bissell #booklover #quotes #
• Thank you for the follow Linda @ReidforBC We share many common concerns re #BritishColumbia #children, #youth and families. #RichmondBC #
• This cute #VeryHungryCaterpillar idea from Pottery Barn Kids could be adapted so many ways #preschool #kindergarten
  http://t.co/a7sGY7Q5 #
• Lots of great #EarthDay art & craft ideas here http://t.co/fkF9oImB #preschool #EarlyEd #kindergarten #
• Thank you for the follow Wendy and Sherry @Kiboomu Anyone who is huge with 2-6 year olds, is huge with me #preschool #kindergarten #ECE #
• No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.~ Mary Wortley Montagu #booklover #quotes #
• Thank you for the RT Alida @Two2Read #booklover #
• Thank you for the #booklover #quote RT Erin @erruggeri #
• Thank you for the #booklover RT Jasmine @jasminedwyer in reply to jasminedwyer #
• Thank you for the #booklover RT Nirmala @swaravali #
• Thank you for the follow Matthew @MattHoekstra #RichmondBC #
• Thank you for the follow @MerrittFest , one of the events that makes #BritishColumbia fabulous. #
• Thanks for the follow Rob @rakehockey #HockeyCoach #RMHA #RichmondBC #
• Good to meet you @FeelingFriends #children #emotions #
• Thank you for the follow Emilia @EmiliaIordanova #earlyed #
• Thank you for the #iceskating follow @quantumspeed #hockeymom #
• Thank you for the follow @davidbouchard. I am a fan of your work. #picturebooks #childrensbooks #
• Last #Bantam #hockey game for my favourite leftwinger. Melancholy drive home after 2-1 loss in championship #KIBIHT12 #hockeymom #
• Encourage your #preschool child to clap or tap to music. Support his #PhonemicAwareness readiness for #reading #
• Fabulous drive from Kamloops to Lower Mainland. Gorgeous scenery and signs of Spring in #BeautifulBritishColumbia Happy Easter! #
• Perhaps my favourite #booklover #quote: Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. ~ Emilie Buchwald #ReadEveryDay #
• A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…The man who never reads lives only one. ~ George R.R. Martin #ReadEveryDay #BookLover #
• Our most popular page is filled w/ #free #Spring & #Easter #printables for #kids http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #ECE #earlyed #preschool #kindergarten #
• Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries. ~ Anne Herbert #LibraryLover #
• Disappointed at #kibiht Shoot out rules on tourney website, "overlooked" to allow one player to take 4 of 6 shots in shootout #shameonyou #
• Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world. ~
  Napoleon Bonaparte #ReadEveryDay #Booklover #Quotes #
• I am at #KIBIHT cheering for the #RichmondBlues Last #Bantam #icehockey tourney for my boys. #hockeymom #
• "Introduce your children to magic – read to them every day." Robert Munsch #parenting #literacy #
• Please come! "Let's Read Together" adults & preschoolers #literacy program at Cambie Library, #RichmondBC starts April 13th, 10:30 #EarlyEd #
• Kids looking for something to do? Our #free #Spring & #Easter #printables will keep 'em busy http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #preschool #kindergarten #
• There is a first time for everything. Had a child fall asleep in Beginning to Read. Remember folks, children need to rest #overscheduled #
• Helping your child learn to rhyme will improve his #phonemicawareness How many words rhyme with bunny? #EarlyEd #preschool #
• Very nice tio meet you @canYOUpIease Thank you for the follow. #
• Reading one book is like eating one potato chip. ~ Diane Duane in So You Want to Be a Wizard #Booklover #Quotes #
• Free #Spring and #Easter #printables for #children http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #ECE #earlyed #preschool #kindergarten #
• "A room without books is like a body without a soul." Cicero #Booklover #quotes #