4.5 Myth #5 Engaged reading is solitary and silent

At times, Reading for Pleasure is a quiet, solitary activity – the reader might be absorbed in a book for hours; yet reading is also a social and relational activity. Talk allows children (and adults) to order and articulate their thinking. Through dialogue, you co-construct ideas, feelings and opinions about the issues presented in a text. The process also allows children to express and affirm their reader identities.

Oftentimes, when children are inspired, excited or curious about a text, their need to talk about it cannot be contained. Making time for informal book chat is crucial for children’s meaning making and Reading for Pleasure.