Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen I found to be a particularly important chapter because of the relevance to all students. I have found that both dependent and independent readers both struggle when it comes to picking out a book or actually being interested in reading to begin with. Most of my students usually pick a book based on length and what the front and back cover look like, but it’s hard when older books have not-so-modern covers. I think it’s important when introducing a book to students to make the books relevant to students. As teachers we stress that teachers get to know their students, but this fact also has to transfer through to the materials used for the students as well. Beers agrees stating that as teachers, we should ask our students what they look for when they want a book. I really enjoyed the idea Beers had when she discussed making a list for students. There are a lot of my students I found that would reply with the “I dunno” type of attitude; I feel that the list would be a great way to give students an outlet to start the discussion about what they want to read.

Furthermore, I thought it was smart that Beers suggests that the plot should start with a lot of action right away. Our students live in a world full of instant gratification so I think it is important to think that for them books should be no different. I think that when it comes to books students are quite reluctant to actually pick one up on their own, let alone while doing it for a class. When it comes to students books are their kryptonite and it is vital that we make as appealing as possible and I think that Beers gives good advice on how to make this possible.