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My First Reading Memory
My earliest reading experience was watching old reruns of The Electric Company and episodes of Sesame Street on PBS. I learned about the alphabet and each letter's sounds, phonics, and vocabulary. I was usually in a motel, bus station, or my grandmother's house. After a while, I would sound out words and try reading any newspaper or print I could. -
Little Golden Books
I remember throwing a fit because my dad would not buy me books from the grocery store. I would usually choose a 25-cent toy or a ride on the mechanical pony because I knew that we were homeless and could barely afford the few items that we needed. Yet, I was mesmerized by the colorful pictures and the golden trim of the Little Golden Books. -
Reading the Ginormous Family Bible
My grandma kept a giant family Bible from the 1970s on a tall table. I had to use a chair to reach it. When my grandmother caught me reading the colossal family Bible, I had trouble pronouncing anything. It was a King James version, so there were a lot of “Thous” and “Shalts.” I remember being so proud of myself for trying because it was the largest book I had ever seen. -
Yellow Pages
I rarely attended school, but I had two books that I got from homeless shelters. My younger sister destroyed both of them. I was livid! So, I decided to move all of the yellow and white pages from the chairs to the table. She could no longer climb and reach my "precious" belongings. The Yellow Pages had ads to read, and that's how I practiced my reading. -
Reading Rainbow
Reading Rainbow was part of my "me time." I often had to care for my younger sisters all day, and I would put them down for a nap before Reading Rainbow came on. I would repeat things the kids said on the show and pretend to do book reviews for my Glow Worm and Raggedy Ann dolls. I loved that show! -
My First Library Card
My sisters and I moved to San Bernadino to live with my aunt after we lost our mother. It was a dark time. Friends of the family suggested that we go to the local public library. I was so happy when my aunt allowed me to get my own library card. I could borrow up to 21 books at a time. -
Pizza Hut and Book It!
The Pizza Hut and Book It collaboration turned me into a voracious reader. I look back now and wonder why I did not just cheat. You would receive one personal pan pizza for every bookmark that you filled. I double-dipped by borrowing books from both the public and school libraries. I read everywhere: on the bus, in a tree, and walking home from school. -
Card Catalog Master
I loved reading recommended books, but it was hard to find books without help unless you learned the Dewey decimal system. So many kind public and school librarians would take the time to teach me how to master reading the card catalog, and I am so grateful for that. -
Encyclopedia Brittanica
When I was in fourth grade, I begged my uncle to purchase a set of Encyclopedias for our household. There was a salesman who once explained all the benefits of owning them through the front door. My aunt and uncle refused, and I was so hurt. So I would ask for one letter at a time (P—for Penguins, etc.) for my birthday or Christmas. One day, my uncle surprised me with the other 22 letters being delivered. I was overjoyed! -
Reading for School
Although I loved to read in high school, I had so many responsibilities at home that I did not have as much leisure time. For honors and AP classes, I had to read so many books that I had no interest in reading. -
Working at the Library
My Spanish three teacher inspired me to present one of my ideas to my boss. I wanted to help the Spanish-language kids with about 50 Spanish books to choose from in the children's library. It was not fair. We ordered some of my favorite nursery rhymes and did plays and puppet shows where I could speak Spanish through the puppet or wear a costume and mask. We started having a jam-packed storytime. It was awesome! -
AP Spanish Reading
Reading and comprehending poetry in English was difficult for me, so I found myself very challenged by the Spanish AP homework. I did well, but I had to study and pay attention. Poetry is beautiful, but then it was corny nonsense. -
My Multicultural Students
Selecting books for the classroom can be tedious, but I keep my students' interests in mind. I consider their cultures, home lives, and developmental stages. It becomes an opportunity to build relationships in class. -
Librarian Recommended Books
I am grateful that I can work with the children's librarian near my school and receive recommendations based on what is happening in my students' lives. Reading to children creates a unique connection, and when they feel seen and heard in the story, it ignites their spark for learning. -
Currently Reading
As a lifelong learner, it is important to grow, so I like to read books on improving every aspect of my life. I am reading a book with my church family about creating a welcoming church culture for people who do not belong to a church community. I hope it will give me a different perspective and change how we do "church."
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