Reading Autobiography
Welcome, fellow book lovers! I'm excited to share my book autobiography with you! Together we will journey through the literature that has influenced me and my life. So grab your favorite Starbies drink and get ready to dig into the stories that have my heart.
Mastering the Art of Reading
Mastering the art of reading at a young age opened the door to a world of literature, but one book stands out as one of my earliest memories—the Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler. In this series, Jennifer "Cam" Jansen, a young detective with an incredible photographic memory, became my literary hero. As a child, I was fascinated by Cam's ability to remember everything with a single click of her mental camera. At this age, getting through school was very difficult for me, and I often found myself wishing for a photographic memory like Cam's so that it would make school a little easier.
Memorable Read Alouds
Who else remembers those carefree afternoons, sitting with their classmates on the circle reading rug while the teacher read tales that transported us to magical realms? Ah, the wonderful time of classroom read-alouds! Pam Adams' story "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" stands out as a memorable read-aloud. The class would burst into an even louder fit of laughter with every creature the old lady devoured. Then came the repetitive structure of "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. This read-aloud was so popular that by the end of the year, each student knew every word and could quote the book without looking. Finally, the best read-aloud experience was undoubtedly "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. What made this read-aloud especially exceptional was the day my teachers transformed the story into a hands-on activity, allowing us to taste real green eggs and ham! The room was filled with enthusiasm as we ventured on a culinary experience within the walls of our classroom.
My Book Timeline Childhood - Adulthood
Childhood: In my early years, I discovered the world of literature through simple and appealing books, particularly those with pictures and patterns.
Elementary - As I entered elementary school, my literary world expanded to include a mix of imaginative tales and beloved characters.
Tween Years - As I navigated the tween years, my literary tastes evolved, introducing me to captivating series and magical worlds.
Teen Years - The transformative teen years were enriched by works that explored the complexities of coming-of-age experiences, complex emotions, and immersive trips into imaginary landscapes.
Adult - In adulthood, my reading preferences shifted towards personal development and introspective works.
Books I've Connecting With
"The Giver" by Lois Lowry
During my coming-of-age years, I first read "The Giver" by Lois Lowry as part of my high school English Language Arts course. Participating in the required read-alouds and group discussions pushed me to engage with the text on a deeper level. It was through these organized debates and group analyses, that I was able to identify themes that reflected my reality. As a result, my understanding of the story's complexity and relevance to today's functioning society deepened and I became more aware of the world's imperfections. This newfound awareness of the flaws in society inspired me to challenge societal norms, striving for a more fair and compassionate world.
"Paper Towns" by John Green
John Green's "Paper Towns" is one of the few books that I was engaged in enough to read cover to cover for fun, without any external pressure from school assignments or required readings. The narrative follows Quentin on his mission to solve the mystery of Margo Roth Spiegelman's disappearance, which leads to unexpected discoveries and realization of personal identity and human connection. I was captivated by the books themes of self-discovery and the search for authenticity. Quentin's desire to understand Margo's clues mirrored my own desire to navigate the complexities of growing up and finding your own place in the world. I also drew a connection with Margos character. Her desire to run away resonated to me as a teen and even now as an adult, reflecting my own difficulties with anxiety, unfamiliarity, and the unknown. Although, I always questioned the relevance of the trail she had left behind. Maybe, deep down, she wanted to be discovered, only by the right people. People who understood her complexity and craved real connection. The novels portrayal of friendship and human interactions encouraged me to reject social norms and instead embrace true self-discovery and genuine connections in my life, leaving a lasting impression on my understanding of identity and friendship.
A book That's Shaped my Worldview & Life Choices
Dr. Nicole LePera's "How to Meet Yourself" is a highly influential piece of transformative literature that has greatly shaped my worldview and life choices. "How to Do the Work" acts as a compass through the complexity of mental health, offering insights into behavioral patterns and encouraging self-awareness. Dr. LePera's advice not only trains me to handle reoccurring challenges but also helps me make informed decisions.
Reading Rituals
Confession....I've never been one to fall head over heels for personal reading. But, I guarantee you, I'm on a mission to incorporate the enchantment of reading into my routine this year, and I've got a list of rituals ready to get me started.
Digital Detox: In a world of technology and notifications, my first ritual is to intentionally disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the world of literacy. I want to prioritize literacy above social media by dedicating time each week to reading. The idea is for the whisper of pages turning to replace the constant buzz of my digital life.
Book Beats: A second ritual that I'd like to start is creating a personalized soundtrack for each book I read. I want to recreate the tone of the narrative with music that matches it. Adding an interactive element to my reading through instrumental music, ambient sounds, or carefully selected playlists will make this ritual a thrilling one. This way I'll be even more captivated by the topic as I read.
Sipping With Stories: A good book is best paired with a delicious beverage. Therefore, the last ritual I plan to implement is all about sipping and savoring my favorite drink as the pages turn. Whether it's a cup of herbal tea, a classic coffee, or a refreshing iced drink, every sip will be an enjoyable accompaniment to the stories that emerge.
Book Sharing & Recommending
Given my limited personal exploration and passion for reading, I haven't extensively shared or recommended books in my personal life. However, from a teacher's perspective, I've made recommendations to students based on their interests, age group relevance, and individual skills and abilities.
Comentários