Student Voices
What Motivates Me as a Reader
To me, reading isn't difficult at all. It's finding time to read that is! For instance,
most kids have loads of homework, ball practice, or other events to do in the evening.
So, even though someone, such as myself, enjoys reading, it doesn't mean that they
have time to just sit down and dive into a book.
It's not just time that keeps me from reading. It is hard for me to find a book
that sounds interesting. Our school library doesn't have many books that interest
me.
―Middle school student
Reading, to some people this word can be scary, boring or fun. For me, it all depends
on the book. If a book is not catching your attention from the start it could be
boring. If it has unknown words in it, it could be scary to think that you might
stumble over them. Some people won't read for fear of their peers making fun of
their pace and mispronouncing the word. For me, I read because I love to hear about
different characters and places. I like to read about real life problems, it reminds
me that I'm not alone and there are people like me dealing with the same problems.
--Middle school student
What motivates me to read? Reading takes you to another place and let's you be involved
in other characters' lives. You slip away from your world for a brief moment in
time to take part in a story or plot that you may become engrossed in as if it is
real to you. I love to find a character I can contrast with and relate to in reality.
I feel bad for those who cannot read to enjoy the experience and knowledge obtained.
As for those who do not want or like to read, I believe they haven't found the right
source yet. Some like to read the newspaper or magazine. Many only read certain
authors or categories. It is up to them to find what is right and to keep searching.
I don't like being forced to read and I don't think others do either. For most readers,
a good book is a great escape that lets you leave your busy lifestyle and troubles
behind.
―Middle school student
Students should have to read, but not in a certain time period and we shouldn't
have to record what we read, that's the dumbest thing I have ever had to do. Plus
the teacher just glanced at it [what the students recorded] and gave us 20 out of
20. She either gave us 20 out of 20 or a 0 out of 20. If teachers expect us to try
they need to try themselves.
--Middle school student
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