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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.