Readers' Block?

Given that I love to write, I'm certainly familiar with writers' block and have several methods for tackling it. It's not a good feeling, however. There's nothing worse than knowing you need to write, but the words just won't come, or what comes out isn't any good. I get frustrated and even a little bit panicked because the product needs to be cranked out, but the "machine" just won't work.

I kind of get the same feeling sometimes when I read. Right now, for example, I am trying to get through Gone by Michael Grant, but I am really struggling. It has all the earmarks of being right up my alley when it comes to a great read--immediate introduction of conflict, pretty likable characters, science fiction/fantasy elements--but I'm reluctant to pick it up when I have a spare moment. Students past and present assure me that it will be a good read, but I'm still dragging my feet about getting through it. The fact that it has over 500 pages makes the task even more daunting for me.

Like my writers' block, I also have methods for conquering this "readers' block," too. The first I have already shared with my students and is what I need to try first: sustained silent reading for an extended period of time. If I could just find time to sit and get into the book, I'm sure I'd get hooked and fly through the pages. once I try that, if I just can't seem to move through the book, I might try another method, or just give up on it. After all, this is just reading for pleasure, and if Gone is the one for me, I need to find one that is. I'll keep you posted!

Hey, Stranger!

I think that is what my blog might say to me, if it could talk. Obviously, it's been a while since I've posted to this blog. I'd all but forgotten about it until I started to edit my classroom webpage tonight. My hope is that my new students will run across it, read it, and respond to it. I am going to make an effort to post more often. :)