12 Summary of Session 2
This session has discussed the nature of children’s reading in the 21st century. Rather than simply a set of skills to learn, reading can be thought of as a process of making meaning from the marks on the page and constructing an interpretation of the text. It is a process that has personal, social, relational and affective dimensions.
Intrinsic motivation is key to children’s Reading for Pleasure as finding texts that personally resonate deepens children’s engagement. When educators take a non-hierarchical view of children’s texts and learn about and value all the reading that children do, both in-school and beyond, they are better placed to support children as readers. Opportunities for children to discuss reading that has inspired them, to engage in book chat or debate over a book enhance the meaning-making process and foster positive reader identities. In the next session, you will build on these ideas as you read about why stories are so addictive and why narrative and narrative texts are so powerful in children’s development.
You should now go to Session 3 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .