By: Taylor Drake
Reading is a big part of everyone’s’ life; from road signs to books-it is all important. Each student and teacher reads in a different way; genres, types, and lengths differ among people.
Billboard in the English hallway with some of the teachers’ favorite books. Photo by: Taylor Drake
Teachers at PHS influence what students read by giving assignments, suggesting books, and taking them to the library. Mrs. Amy Schmeltz said that in her class they do “readings of poetry, nonfiction, short fiction, and of course, red dot reading.” Students at PHS have to take red dot reading tests for their English classes; a red dot reading test is a test over a book, used to get points in the class. Each class at PHS reads something no matter what subject it is. For example Freshman Rose Miller said that she has to read short stories in her history class. Also the English classes at PHS read books that teachers assign.
Not only do teachers help their students read, they read themselves. Mrs. Schmeltz said, “All day long every day, I read student work, e-mails from colleagues, the newspaper, online news, textbooks, and I always have at least two or three books in my ‘for fun’ reading pile.” Like Mrs. Schmeltz’s “‘for fun’ reading pile” many teachers have their own favorite books and authors. Mrs. Stephanie Wezeman said,“I greatly admire Margaret Atwood. She crafts beautifully written prose that has a poetic starkness and beauty. Her stories are compelling and haunting and make the reader challenge his or her assumptions about the world and the people in it. I also love a very different writer called Christopher Moore. His work is funny and irreverent and just a joy to read.”
Every student has a different interest when it comes to reading. Felicia Dixon said, “I love to read mythology and legends. I love fantasy books.” On the other hand Junior Elizabeth Gallardo said, “The genres I usually read are teen fiction, action/adventure, or/and romance.” Some students like to read based on their favorite authors not just genre. Senior Stephanie Anderson said, “I really like: Veronica Roth, Cassandra Clare, Suzanne Collins, and John Green.” Students also like to read about real things that might be related to their life or something that speaks to them. Freshman Ciera Meyers said, “I like to read about real life stories usually about depression or some types of disorders.”
Having a home environment that is supportive of reading is a good thing. Miller said, “My dad reads a lot but my mom only reads
Books that are in English teacher Mrs. Gifford’s room. Photo by: Taylor Drake
magazines. My younger brother reads before bed every night.” Contrary to Miller’s family, other homes may not read as much but have a student who does. “I am the only person that reads [in my family]. I read so much at home that my parents get really annoyed how much I read,” said Gallardo. Teachers at PHS also believe that reading should be a part of life. Mr. Josh Martin said, “[Reading] should have immense value. Ability to read, comprehend, and write about complex texts is very directly tied to success in college and the workplace (at least for the highest paying jobs).”
There are many different ways to read now in this technology era. “I usually read my books on my phone because it is easier to carry around and I always have it with me,” said Gallardo. Students find different ways and places to read; many like to read during free time at school or at home before they go to sleep. “I usually read in the early morning or before I go to bed. I like to read in my room at my dad’s house because I only have one window and it’s very dark and cozy. I turn a lamp on and huddle down with blankets,” said Miller. Students also read for different periods of time. Freshman Aliyah Bertrand says she reads for as long as three hours a night but some students such as Meyers don’t. Meyers said, “Not long, like a couple hours if I’m really into the book.” Reading can be therapeutic which is why students read before they fall asleep. Also, reading makes students be more literate and makes it easier to talk and write to others, showing that reading is not only a good pass time but is also healthy.