By KAREN MADORIN
Teaching English was the hardest job I ever loved.
What a struggle to explain difficult concepts to a room full of students who each learn in different ways! Obviously, I sometimes missed the mark. However, I’ve since learned I struck a motherload I never expected.
My wish was to help readers find books they loved, so I assigned four book reports per quarter, hoping before students left my class, they’d find at least one book meeting that criterion.
Some say, “That’s torture. How could you?” While I desired every student would achieve that goal, I designed grades so when resisters resisted, they wouldn’t fail English or even get a bad grade after satisfactorily completing other assignments.
Ironically, one booklover resented earning points for something as essential as breathing and refused to participate. The subject came easily for him, so he earned top grades despite his protest. In theory, I secretly agreed with him, but this strategy let me know what most kids read.
Instead of requiring written book reports or electronic tests, students gave 5-minute oral reports. Some got so involved in their stories, I’d redirect discussions so we met time limits, and I could listen to the next one.
An oft scene meme suggests when a person isn’t reading, they haven’t found the right book. After listening to thousands of book reports, I agree. What a breakthrough when reluctant or resistant readers discover the magic and excitement bubbles.
Sometimes, a western or non-fiction book about wildlife, farming, or sports lights that fire. What fun when one youngster discovered Orson Scott Card’s Enders series, which soon enthralled me as well. Another unenthusiastic reader discovered he loved instructional manuals. I’ll never repair tractors, but I learned a thing or two.
The boon I never expected involves relationships that continue into the present. Through social media, former students and I maintain contact, and those one-time teens continue sharing favorite books with me. What a thrill to explore their recommendations and add a new fave to my shelf.
Mysteries, historical fiction, and character-driven novels best hold my attention. I read fast and have lived so long that favorite authors pass or don’t publish frequently enough to keep me in fresh material. I commented online and whammo! Former students quickly grew my To Be Read pile to skyscraper heights.
I relied on old-faithful authors until these savvy readers expanded my horizons with excellent options such as Heather Webber novels. One knew I love paleontology so she recommended Extinction by Douglas Preston. Oh my, that opened a long list of all night reading. As a relief from intense suspense, she guided me to Remarkably Bright Creatures. I now want my own octopus while I await Van Pelt’s newest publication.
Another reader, knowing I love Depression era history and wildlife directed me to West with Giraffes. I loved that author’s first book but missed her next. I’ll think about that intricate tale for a long time.
Who knew that 31 years in a classroom would enhance my reading in my twilight years. Such a blessing! Keep reading and sharing, folks.
Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.