Ok, I'm going to play a little Devil's Advocate here and hopefully draw some flak in the form of good comments,
The Williams article goes to great lengths to explain that the good reader does not have to read fast and does not have to abdorb on the first reading. I find that understandable and admirable - not everyone has the same gifts, and if you know how to approach a work in such a way that you get the most out of it that you can, more power to you.
However, I think the implicit assumption in the article, or at least the one that I got, is that rewarding the stereotypical 'good' reader, the one who conforms to the ideals set by society, is somehow wrong. I assume that many of us are stereotypical good readers. I know at least that I am. It's one of my strengths, and I play it up. I read fast, I read thoroughly, and I'm able to talk about it well. I'm not bragging here, I assume most people in this class work in the same way. Is it wrong to say that having these skills doesn't make you a better reader? It may not be the only way to be a good reader, but surely speed and efficiency count for something?
I understand that kids need support and encouragement. I'm just always afraid that we're falling into the trap of wanting everyone to be special and gifted in everything, and to boost self-esteem rather than to teach things. I remember, and this is no lie, a math problem I saw in one of my cousin's elementary math books that asked, 'Suzie has 5 apples and Johnnie takes 2. How does Suzie feel?' It went on to ask some math questions, but I mean, come on. Recognizing a child's strengths, devoting time to their weaknesses, and rewarding hard work are all well and good. But let's not forget the stereotypical good reader, quietly sitting in the back and doing everything without much help. Let's acknowledge that there is an operational definition of good reading, and that it's fairly stringent. Not everyone can make it. And that's ok. I'm not saying let's give up on everyone who's not at that kind of level, but let's acknowledge that some kids make better students than others, based on their very natures and abilities.
(Disclaimer: I'm just trying to provoke discussion - don't assume I mean everything I say!)
~NJP
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