HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 21, 1996TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
M. Rebecca Loader, Library Director
Marsha Tubbs, Children's Librarian
November 21, 1996
Reading More and Loving It - Workshop
I attended the Reading More and Loving it a workshop presented by Jim Trelease and the Bureau of
Education and Research on Monday, November 18 at the Holiday Inn in St. Louis Park. I found the
pro~ram to be inspirin9 and thought-provokin9. The enthusiasm generated by Mr. Trelease was
contagious and has continued throughout the week. This program was different than I had anticipated.
I thought I would find a program centering around pieces of children's literature, sprinkled with read-
aloud segments and possibly tips or hints on what works and wliat doesn't when reading aloud. What
I actually found was a strong advocate for reading, particularly read aloud who had built a very sound,
logical, and statistically supported case for the importance of reading. When I left at nearly 4:00, there
was no doubt in my mind that:
"Reading is the most important subject inside or outside of school".
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
-The 500 verbal and 500 math national score average for SAT's was originally set in 1940 -
1941. 10,654 person took the original test, 98% white, 40% from private school, 60% male,
majority wealthy. Today 1.2 million take this test. 83% from public schools, 52% women, 30%
minority, and 46% from families of $40,00 or less income.
-Today's auto mechanic needs 2 years post secondary education, plus 4 weeks training each
year to perform the job.
-GED was invented by the military to lure kids into the WWII foxholes, later outlawed by the
military as insufficient education. **Still accepted in public sectors today.
-Public libraries need to become more user-friendly. Follow the lead of bookstores like Barnes
& Noble. Introduce snack/coffee shops, arrange books face out on shelves.
-One-third of adults in U.S. buy 80% of the books sold .
-One-third teachers don't read themselves.
-Statistics gathered over the last 50 years show that the average SAT score goes up in
accordance with income.
-The more diplomas you have the longer you live - 70% longer with a doctorate.
-How do you get better at reading - READ.
-Listening comprehension comes b(~fore reading comprehension.
-Listening vocabulary becomes reading vocabulary becomes a speaking vocabulary becomes
a writing vocabulary.
-Sustained silent reading in conjunction with reading aloud will increase a person's vocabulary
and comprehension - significantly.