Blog Post 10

After reading Kelly Gallagher's Readicide I came to really enjoy the text for what it is and the information that it posits as being the death of deep and enriching reading in the public education system. At first, like most things, I was hesitant but I came to develop a deep appreciation for this book because it shares similar sentiments about education, reading, and public education that I do. But even more importantly is it gave me a way to confront and, in a way, battle what she calls readicide. This is a book that should be a requirement for all future teachers to read because it so articulately describes the differences that we all share as learners and educators, and how we interpret a text can be very different; either for enjoyment or value. That is what is important, being able to decipher yourself what you're reading as being enjoyable or something that you can get value out of. I am sure educators out in the field, right now, have to make students read certain texts that they themselves are not fond of. How can someone teach a novel or play when they themselves have no interest in teaching it? That only breeds lackadaisical educators that go through the motions day in and day out and benefits nobody. Something that attests to this as well as a takeaway for me personally was when Gallagher writes, "students may or may nor like the novel, but I want all of them to understand the value that comes from reading it- a value that will help them become smarter people long after they leave school" (57). While I agree with this sentiment, what happens when the educator has no drive, no passion, and is lukewarm with their instruction? The important aspect of this to me is that yes, students will read texts that they hate (I've done it and I am sure you have too) but I like to think I had some pretty damn good educators. I cant imagine being placed in a class where the teacher just does not care about you, or your education.