Alex Archer: More Miller!

No this isn’t just another boring old textbook full of too many facts and details to process, this is a book written with nothing but helpful tips and tricks in a way that any teacher (or future teacher) can relate to. I have actually enjoyed reading what Miller has gathered from her experiences and can already tell this information will be extremely useful for me in the future; for once I’m glad I bought a textbook!

I have actually had some fun with this book in the way that as I read, I attempt to actually implement some of the tactics Miller describes to help build good reading habits. For example, Miller talks about ‘reading on the edge’ which is a tactic she uses, and encourages other to use, to squeeze in as much reading time as possible. Since I am currently taking 18 units this semester I obviously have a lot of other reading and homework to do, thus I have made a point to bring Miller’s book with me as often as possible to try squeeze in some reading time here and there. I have also been doing this with my series book that we are currently reading for this class as well; this tactic has been working well for me so far in both cases.

Some other topics Miller brings up that I feel I can relate to include reading emergencies and binge reading. I  enjoyed hearing the responses from her students they gave about both topics which, I feel, anyone can relate to no matter what age. I too always wish I had a book on me so that when the right time presents itself I can spend some time reading instead of scrolling through the same old social media as I do time and time again. Additionally, I can relate to the urge to binge read a book (or a book series) and I honestly wish I had more time to be able to do such things. Holidays and extended weekends are always a treat because that means I have more time to read for pleasure rather than reading for school.

In the few chapters that I have read thus far, Miller has given perspective to issues I haven’t even thought of having in my future classroom but know I will need to confront at some point. Some of the issues she brings up is fake reading and reading avoidance; Miller gives many tips and tricks to how best to handle situations such as these and I am thankful for that since I know I will need some guidance such as this in my first few years of teaching.

Near the end of Chapter 1 Miller firmly states “I never sacrifice independent reading for the sake of other instructional activities. Never.” I think this a powerful statement that should ring true in all classrooms. The list of reasons why establishing good reading habits in children is so important could go on and on; I hope that one day I will be able to implement Miller’s tactics in my classroom as best that I can. For now… let’s read more Miller!