''' ...in 1983, the big question was, “how do we get kids interested in reading?” By 2009, that question had become, “how do we teach kids to read, period?” '''

''' ...in 1983, the big question was, “how do we get kids interested in reading?” By 2009, that question had become, “how do we teach kids to read, period?” ''' I remember learning to read. I taught myself (mostly) because I wanted to read books. I went to a tiny rural school with 3 grades in each room. After school it was an hour or so before my dad could come get me. I sat and looked at books. When I didn't know a word, a very patient older lady, the teacher, would tell me what it was while she sat and graded papers (probably cursing my dad to herself). I learned to read in kindergarten, a full year before the rest of the class (admittedly this wasn't a high achieving school and was nearly 40 years ago). The point is... To teach kids how to read is just like teaching anything else. Get them interested in it. Or, we can keep trying to club them over the head with reading. Even though that approach doesn't seem to be working.