Lemme get this straight. Someone had the *audacity* to be upset about what books you essentially donate for your students to read in their free time to get them excited about reading?! C'mon people. You're an amazing teacher. More schools need teachers like you.
It makes me a little ragey that people put so much emphasis on reading "the classics". If a kid shows interest in reading something, that should be encouraged. It's a very elitist point of view to use those books as a measuring stick. I'll never understand the people complaining about your bookshelves in your classroom.
I love both but let's be real: our civilization is somewhat built upon the classics. Yes, its elitist, as it can be harder. A little academic elitism might serve some of these kids pretty well. A good mix of both is key in my amateur opinion. It's acceptable to have a hierarchy, some literature is just of a higher quality than others. That aside, what assholes to complain about this on the internet.
when I read classic books in high school, I didn’t fully understand it. Knowing what I know now, I wish that I would have taken the time to understand the context. Now in my middle 20s I’m re-reading them and finally understand it. (Kinda embarrassed that I’m a late bloomer) but I’m loving reading again! So that’s a plus.
I wish I had a teacher as passionate about reading as you are! I was fortunate to be in a theatre program in high school, so I read a bunch of Shakespeare, Chekhov and Ibsen, and other classics for that.
I have teenage boys. Both of them loved to read until they turned about 13, and nothing that I did encouraged them to read. Until my 15 year old son's teacher assigned The Hate You Give. He couldn't put it down. Then he picked up On The Come Up. And then moved on to Dear Martin. And he still isn't the kind of reader he was when he was younger, but he's more open to reading now than he was before, because of that teacher. I will always, always be thankful to his teacher for giving him the book that got him reading again. And I have ALL THOSE BOOKS on our shelves at home! But he never had any interest in them until one teacher encouraged him to read it and that made all the difference. Teachers have the power to encourage reading that parents don't and I am so thankful for teachers like you who are tireless in encouraging their students to read. ❤❤❤
No. The commenter is wrong about inhibiting your students reading level. I’m a special education teacher, and I’m a mom. It’s very difficult to get my students and children to read as they are not interested in reading in general. We are reading The Ickabog as it is interesting to my daughter. I understand that JK Rowling’s personal opinions are problematic, but her work is helping my daughter to read.
I’m an elementary school teacher (2nd grade!) and it’s funny how similar my outlook is to you. I have a TON of books in my class library and the kids are encouraged to read anything that is appealing to you. I have them read independently. I do Book recommendations and I have the kids do their own books reviews. It’s so important to talk with them about books!
Crazy that people are complaining about teacher’s abilities during COVID!!! My uncle has been a middle school English teacher for almost 31 years and it’s not an easy job. Also some students don’t always come from privileged backgrounds and haven’t had access to certain resources i.e. (getting the opportunity to read books/can’t afford luxuries like reading) I just wish people from other places would take that/those individuals into account.
I teach 7th grade ELA and you hit the nail on the head. I resonated with this video SO much. I feel you and people have no idea what we go through trying to get kids to read. 🙃
The idea that you’re inhibiting their reading when all you’re doing is getting them to actually read on their own is ridiculous! You are doing a fantastic job, keep it up!
Never in my life would I have thought that I would want to be a teacher. I Was always good in school and English was always my favorite subject and English teachers were my favorite teachers, but never came across my mind to teach. Now that my Niece is getting older and I help her with her homework on the regular, I learned recently that I actually enjoy giving knowledge to others 😂 Been thinking about going to college to pursue an English and teaching Degree. The biggest issue I have with this though is that they would call me Mr.Cox and I know I will get bullied 😂
I love that you share your passion for reading with your students. My 6th grade teacher stoked my already simmering passion for books. i'll never forget her for it and always be grateful. Thanks for all that you do!
Any kind of reading - classics, young adult novels, graphic novels - ANY reading is beneficial to children of any age. As an English major myself, I understand your frustration. That is EXTREMELY ENTITLED for someone to make that kind of comment. You don't know the background many kids come from and what may have caused them to be illiterate. Some people are so blind and uneducated about things they know nothing about or don't care to learn about. Love this video. Stand up for your students.
Loved the insight you have to teaching! Also the fact that you try to "normalize" reading really struck home with me bc I was picked on for always being a reader in high school with my friends and I wish we would have had independent reading sessions in school!
I remember all kinds of classics assigned in school. Did I read them yeah sure, but did I enjoy them or say yes I need to read more? Rarely lol. And even though I was in advanced English, I had a lot of struggles understanding classics. Now, as an adult, I can grasp the concepts easier. I discovered my love of reading from Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. And then Twilight and Hunger Games. So fantasy/YA. The only time I really went away from fantasy is when I found your channel lol. So thank you:)
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It is amazing how much a kid can improve their reading comprehension with reading more. My 10-year-old son hated reading. Would never read at home. We finally found a series called Dragon Masters and he has been reading those. (I think they are 2nd/3rd-grade level but at least he is reading!) He improved on his state test from below level at 35% to high level at 80% in just one semester. Crazy! amy
I never comment but I’ve been watching you for YEARS. And I have never seen a teacher CARE this much about her students and the literacy levels of her students. I can’t believe people with their comments. You have my full support! I wish there were more teachers like you! ❤️📚
Also it’s just so refreshing to hear a teacher be so passionate. Some people shouldn’t teach .. and it’s so obvious. But I love that you love what you do. The kids need more teachers like you ! 💜💜
I had a teacher exactly like you they are the best ones. My teacher once gave me for Christmas a Mary Kate and Ashley book that I was wanting on my back then tbr. Even though my parents can afford it. She got everyone books that Christmas. It is now one of my fondest memories as an adult. She motivated me to get books now.
Amazing video Jess! Thank You so much for being so passionate about teaching your students about reading and wanting them to read and like to read. Shame on that person for writing that about you and that you lower your student’s reading levels. You sound like an incredible teacher and please never give up on wanting every student you come across to read 💕
When you said that the person said “inhibiting their reading growth yada yada” I was like how privileged if they feel that the only worthy books are classics. Seriously you can learn so much from YA, middle grade everything! I get your frustration. Plus you have to meet your kids where they’re at, and if that’s YA, that’s great! You keep inspiring people to read, I know you have with me!
People who are not teachers are very quick to judge what happens in a classroom based solely on 'what they did in school.' I have no doubt in my mind that you're a fantastic teacher and your kids are so lucky to have such a passionate reader to support them! It was so nice to listen to your answers to questions, and thinking about how I would answer them myself (although I teach Kinder kids).
Wow. The kids in your class are SO LUCKY!! I used to teach elementary age kids and I know every teacher out there has an incredibly difficult job. I love your positivity and how obvious it is that you truly care about your kids.
So fascinating!!! I'm from Tennessee (class of 2016) and our 10th grade year was Dystopian Literature (read Fahrenheit 451, 1984, and some other short stories) and World Lit was senior year. I started reading for fun my sophomore year of school after a friend suggested Divergent to me. I went from never reading unless assigned to having not put a book down to this day! It makes me so happy that you are promoting reading to your kids!!!! Hope they all find their Divergent:))))
Fellow high school teacher here. Really enjoyed this, and found it very interesting! I think you do a great job with your channel and being a teacher too. I couldn’t do it, but just bc it’s not for me; I think the way you handle it is admirable. You responded very well to the criticism. I would have been fuming at some of those peoples comments. Whew!
I'm not surprise by that comment. As an adult people still feel the need to comment that I read YA or romance, instead of 'intelligent' books... I read for enjoyment and I'd have killed to have a teacher who brought books into the classroom. Especially ones that weren't part of the lesson plan!
So cool to see another teacher on booktube! Sending good vibes your way. As a first grade teacher I miss being in person but also want everyone to feel safe. If I taught the big kids as I call them I’d love to teach English or social studies. ❤️ 🍎
As a teacher myself it’s interesting to hear another perspective, especially from a different country. The lack of a school library hurts. People who don’t teach themselves always have so many... thoughts.
I really hated reading books in school. My mom had to read my books for book reports and write it out because I couldn't get past the first few pages, and yes, I can read. When I graduated high school that's when I started reading up a storm. I would buy books and go to the library all the time. Them I got my Samsung tablet to read and then it broke so now I read on my kindle paperwhite.
I am really curious about how you view audiobooks for your students and if you ever used audiobooks as a way to get students interested in physically reading. I was a reluctant reader for so many years but then I started listening to audiobooks and realized I love to read and then started picking up actual books when I couldn't find the audiobook version.
I love the fact that you are passionate about kids reading more. I don't understand why there's still comments about it, I guess you really can't please everyone but I wish I had a teacher who pushed us to read more or even lent books to students. From what I see, you are so passionate and determined in helping kids. That itself should be applauded. You are doing amazing!
I loved my Eng/Lit teachers in school, and my school librarians were amazing. All through what would be the US equivalent of elementary and middle school we would have a library period. Ever since I was in year 8 all the way till I graduated (we had a combined middle and high school) I became a "friend of the library" and basically volunteered there (shelving, checking books in and out for other students etc). It was great as the school computers were also there so those of us who were and who weren't interested in reading could all hang out during our breaks or free periods as well.
Thank you for sharing your experience! 💖 I graduated last November with my elementary education degree and took on a long-term sub position for a 1st grade classroom. What you said about classroom management made me feel seen! 💛💛 It has been the hardest year and so much of has to do with not having any classroom management! But you are reminding me that it comes with time and its okay to struggle! Your students are so lucky to have you!
It definitely takes time!! I was a hot mess my first year, especially when it came to classroom management. There’s only so much you can learn without actually experience teaching in the classroom. I hope next year is better for you!!
This is my second year teaching and it is SO much harder this year than my first because of COVID-19. I feel so cheated by all the people who told me this year would be easier XD
No one writes or reads like Austen anymore....it’s not relevant to the modern youth’s life and future life experiences. Not saying classics are aren’t fantastic, but not everyone wants to be a snoot about their reading. I recently went on a practical experience in a school and they have 20minutes first thing in the morning for “accelerated reading” and my 8th graders were reading diary of a wimpy kid and I wanted to cry in a corner 😂
I’m so glad you made this video! I’m about to take my certification exam to teach middle/high school social studies, and I find your love of teaching so inspiring 💕
Keep doing what your doing! I wouldn’t read that alternate website... people will always judge and have their own opinions. You keep on shining the way you do!
Thank you for making this video! It was very interesting learning more about what being a high school English teacher is like. Ugh the ones bragging about not reading aggravates me, too. My husband was one of those kids who never read and still doesn't. Drives me crazy! This was very informative and interesting!
Omg they got rid of the library 😮😮😮 WHAT! Your students are so lucky to have you and your bookshelves! I’m also shocked at the comment that you’re inhibiting students .. they’re at the perfect age for young adult books. Oh also, Things Fall Apart is such a good book. I will say I didn’t always read assigned reading in high school and I love reading 😂
Thank you for doing this video! It’s always fun to learn how teachers from the other side of the world do their job. Also, only teachers know how much of struggle to make students like something that they don’t even like to begin with so you are doing a great job in promoting reading 👏
I love this. I used to work as a reading specialist with 7th/8th graders at a Title 1 school and it was the hardest job I ever had! But so important. Keep doing what you’re doing!!
I was a teaching assistant at a primary school (elementary school in the US) and I completely agree with what you say about kids/teenagers and reading. There is absolutely no point in forcing someone who doesn't like reading and doesn't want to read to read something they aren't interested in, they won't get anything out of it so there's no point. The range of reading ages I worked with completely differed from the ages the children were and you want them to enjoy whatever they're reading despite their age. What you're doing is amazing, giving these kids access to books when maybe their parents don't care for reading or don't read with them is absolutely brilliant. I can tell you really care about these kids from how you talk about your job and I can see your passion. I wish I'd had a teacher like you when I was in school ❤️
I read because I had a teacher like you. I'm dyslexic and thanks to a great special ed's teacher I started reading at 14! Didn't really read classics until my early twenties except for class. I preferred in my teens, Stephen King, John Saul ...until I was 17 when my friend introduced me to romance. Good for you showing your "kids" more than the classics!! PS: I too am close to finish my masters. PPS: YA didn't exist when I was a teen...love a lot of YA
absolutely kids do not like to read! I also hated reading as a teen and I think its because we're forced in school to read lots of books that are boring and were not interested in. when I was 32 i started reading for fun and it changed my life.. so thank you for bringing interesting options and a plethora of them for your students.
The books going missing / getting mangled ... I felt that. I did just have a senior return a book she'd borrowed freshman year. So... don't give up hope.
Hey I just came over from the Bookables fam to check out your channel. I was originally here to watch your Romance Boom tag, but clicked on this video out of curiosity. I got really interested when you mentioned you teach a guided reading class. As a Mom of two children who struggle with reading, I think the person who criticized you on GG can shut their pie hole. I had to force my son to pick a different book for his Silent Sustained Reading because he just kept re-reading The Hunger Games. We have found that having different physical books and Audio books has been helpful for him. Having teachers like you who love reading, and have all sorts of different books in their classroom is key for kids like my sons finding books they like and will Actually read.
It sounds like you’re an amazing teacher! 💗 I would’ve loved to have a teacher like you when I was in high school! I did read a little in high school, and it was mostly YA too, I would go to the local library on the weekend to pick out books. I was mostly reading the Gossip Girl books, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Twilight 😆
@peacelovebooks fellow teacher, I don't know if you already do this but a fun activity in class could be getting all your kids set up on the libby/overdrive app so they can have access to audiobooks for your kids who need more incentive to read or who struggle with reading. Kids who already have library cards can bring them to sign up with the app. I would make sure all kids have a device to do it on before doing it though.
Also a 9th and 10th grade ELA (and yearbook!) teacher. You summed everything up perfectly. Finding out we were losing our school library as well broke my heart 😞
Love your outlook!!! I love reading and have since elementary school, but hated reading anything assigned to me in middle and high school. If it was required... I was probably going to skim. But choices, much, much better.
I was going through some of your previous videos that I hadn't seen before and ran across this one. I'm retired now but taught 6th grade ELA for 37 years. Based on your description, it sounds like the set up of your classroom is very similar to the one I had except mine was a 6th grade version. I agreed and identified with everything you said. One of my biggest challenges was finding high interest books with male protagonists, and I did find some good ones. As luck would have it, I retired in January of 2019 right before the Pandemic - have no idea how you guys coped with that. I wish you luck as you continue with your career, and I really enjoy your channel. I've found some really good books based on your recommendations, so I hope you keep making videos for a long time to come. 👏 😊
Great video. I'm studying to be a teacher and classroom management is what intimidates me the most. Thank you for being open about your experience as a teacher. I think people have this idea that teachers aren't allowed to be humans or to enjoy and be opened about their hobbies if it's not "academically correct".
I love that you’d school has a program like that. Both my children struggled with reading and the schools solution was to tell me to help teach them. I’m not a teacher, I don’t know how to best teach someone to read. I myself have never struggled with reading therefore I can’t grasp how best to teach someone who does struggle
While there were definitely some classics I read and enjoyed in high school, I wish I had teachers focusing on more modern or YA books sometimes. It sounds like you're an amazing teacher!
Wow... That is not the statement that I expected someone to say. Some people are so ignorant... People have such crazy opinions. Everyone has such different reading levels. I was reading one or 2 books a day, and then I had friends who read the same book for the whole semester. I really love hearing you talk about this from an educational point of view. I am only as inhibited as I am with reading because I had teachers who saw my love and encouraged me to read more. They are very precious women in my heart for doing that for me. But I understand that not everyone will have that passion I do naturally. And you have to do whatever you can to get them interested.
I live in Indiana and teach in Kentucky. I feel you on everything you said about teaching virtually versus in person. I'm the ELA Dept Chair at the middle school I teach at. I still teach 8th grade...17 years later I definitely don't think I'd every want to do anything else. I hate paperwork so definitely not anything administrative. I think every teacher who watches this will understand your frustration with people's skewed view of teachers and education.
When I was in high school I wasn't into reading at all. I only got into reading once I discovered romance books from my library. Was bored one day and decided to go to the library and see if I could find a book to pass the time. Since then I've branched out into reading some biographies of rockstars in addition to reading romance. Teenagers are more interested in hanging out with friends and being with their peers. Doesn't mean that down the road they won't appreciate reading once they've matured.
I can't believe someone would say that, as someone who worked with the school district in my state for 7 yrs. Helping children from primary to middle school aged children read and write. I was a teachers assistant and kids who were struggling were assigned to be in smaller groups, so I could focus more on them was helpful as it showed on test scores of improvement. That person is coming from a privileged background in saying what they did. I myslef was in a guided reading program from 2nd grade to 5th grade and because of it when I went to middle school I was reading at my level. My brother who is 3 yrs older has always been an advanced reader, so it only comes to show that ppl are different even in the same household. I also come from a household with one educated parent and a parent who only attended kindergarten. My brother who also worked with the school district for 10 yrs in a program that assisted high school students failing classes be able to retake those classes they failed again and pass them with credit. All those students were struggling in different subjects, but they reached out to this smaller program to be able to graduate. Mind you these high school students come from high schools of over 4,000 students per school, so of course these kids can't get the attention they need. My brother, mother, and me have also tutored kids because they were struggling. At times we were paid with a meal because those parents didn't have enough money to pay $5 for an hr of tutoring. These kids we tutored came from homes, where the parents couldn't speak English or had no education, so were unable to help their children with homework. You donating your books is a great thing to be doing for your kids and books that they would actually want to pick up. These guided reading classes you teach are an essential tool for a better chance for these kids. I have seen kids act in anger or aggressive behavior because they feel frustrated and embarrassed. Other kids make fun of them for not reading at the level they should in my school district, which in turn makes kids skip classes or not want to attend classes at all. I have had 2nd grade kids nearly get into physical fights over being made fun of for not reading at level or refuse to participate in group because they didn't want to struggle. I am mad with you Jessica that a person would ignorantly make such a crass statement.
I'm in my sixth year of teaching, too, and I don't think many people outside of the classroom understand how much students have changed over time. Education, reading and critical thinking are not high priority in the USA and that's bound to show through our kids. I'm an ESOL teacher who's ended up teaching science despite being an English major and I try to emphasize the importance of reading to my English Learners because literally every state assessment is a reading test. If you can't read then test then it doesn't matter if you understand the science/math/history. Unfortunately, again, reading is just not seen as important anymore so I think you're doing a great job providing your kids high interest books that can get them engaged and practicing reading more, even if they don't enjoy the process yet.
I am a teacher... Kinda.... I am an Instructor of Nursing for the University of Nebraska. I really like teaching and encouraging the next generation of nurses. Thanks for being a teacher. It is hard. It is worth it. much love, amy
Where I live, we have a “no child left behind” program. Meaning, kids who “fail” their grade actually don’t get held back and still move on to the next grade. I’m in my late 20’s and love to read. I have a brother who is in 6th grade, middle school, and he struggled throughout elementary to read and write and spell. He was never held back because of that program they have now in place. When I was in first grade I was held back but now I guess they don’t do that anymore. I honestly believe this is why kids can’t read because when they’re not ready they get pushed onto the next grade anyway. Therefore when they’re in high school they still can’t read above a third grade level because they never learned or had the time to slow down because the system push them forward. That’s the flaw in our system now is that they don’t want to actually teach children, they just want to push them through the system to graduation as quickly as they can. This is not to say it’s a teachers fault. I’m just stating that I think the school system in general needs to be fixed
We didn’t read that many books for school. We didn’t read any classics. My mom was/ is a reader so I got the love for reading from her but school in austria wasn’t big on reading. We had a library where we could get books but we didn’t have to read books for school (age 6-13). We had to read out loud from the normal textbooks for what ever class/topic but that was it. And if you’re making fun of someone who can’t read or isn’t good at it - you’re not helping! Also: it‘s not just on the teachers if they can read or have read a book.
You should try to not let uneducated people bother you. I also am an educator...and in my opinion it has much more to do with the home life. Parents who do not read themselves, let alone read to and with their children. Kids almost have no chance of loving to read of they were not read to DAILY as young children. I do not believe it has much to do at all with educators. There is only so much a high school teacher can do once the kids get to you at 15 years old and never were read to from ages 0-15. You are SO RIGHT to provide books that your kids will relate to and enjoy...no matter the reading level. Also...you do you on your personal time. I love your videos.
Yes!! I mentioned this originally, but I didn’t like how I worded things and cut that part out. SO MUCH has to do with the home life and so many kids have parents who don’t even have books in the house. So it’s hard to teach the value of reading when parents don’t also value it 😕
I love what you're doing for your kids! Libraries are so important!! I'm shocked to hear that your school doesn't have one. That's devastating. I will say on the note about people bragging about not having done the reading in HS, is that at least when I was in HS (the 00s) the only books teachers were pushing were by old, dead, white men. And coming from an all Black school, no one was interested in reading things they can't relate to 🤷🏾 so when folks are joking around about not doing the reading that's at least where my circle of friends, etc are coming from.
you know what, ironically, the reason why I didn't grow up as a reader apart from financial struggles was when I was in my high school years, teachers required us to read a lot of classics. It was my initiation into reading novels. I remembered not enjoying reading Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, etc. so by the time I finished high school, I was exhausted of reading, and everytime I saw fiction books, I was quickly intimidated because of these not enjoyable memories. It wasn't until 2020 that I finally managed to read stories that I think would enjoy. Now I read 1 book a day (and most of them are romance lol)
Can't believe you were getting hate for promoting literacy. How is That a thing?!? Twilight, as problematic as it is will always have a special place in my heart because it got my daughter into reading. Same reason I tolerated those World of Warcraft novelizations. Those got my son to pull his little face away from the computer and read. Teachers are just not appreciated enough in this country. It's ashame.
Wow, no library at your high school?! I’m sure that’s insanely frustrating. I’ve been an elementary classroom teacher and seen many different libraries: some that were wonderfully utilized and others that were never updated. I’m hoping to get a school librarian job for the fall.
Honestly I’m just stuck on that fact that y’alls school starts at 7:30 for high school 😂 it was 9-4 here lol Loved this video! You never really think about how much English teachers have to deal with when you don’t have to...now I feel bad for not reading grapes of wrath in high school but it was the one book I just couldn’t get through 🤦🏽♀️
On the other hand we have a lot of adults on booktube terrified of trying adult books. YA books are important and good and have some of the best diversity around. But classics can be made accessible, the issue is they're pushed as you just have to read these, we said so because they were written a long time ago. Not here look at this cool story.
Lemme get this straight. Someone had the *audacity* to be upset about what books you essentially donate for your students to read in their free time to get them excited about reading?! C'mon people. You're an amazing teacher. More schools need teachers like you.
right?!!!??!!?! the AUDACITY of some people
Here 👏 here 👏 I have teenagers and lemme tell you I'd dearly love if Jessica was their teacher and encouraging them to read WHATEVER they want.
YA books are thought provoking though... What's the problem? the real question: WHY DOES A HIGH SCHOOL NOT HAVE A LIBRARY?!
It makes me a little ragey that people put so much emphasis on reading "the classics". If a kid shows interest in reading something, that should be encouraged. It's a very elitist point of view to use those books as a measuring stick. I'll never understand the people complaining about your bookshelves in your classroom.
I love both but let's be real: our civilization is somewhat built upon the classics. Yes, its elitist, as it can be harder. A little academic elitism might serve some of these kids pretty well. A good mix of both is key in my amateur opinion. It's acceptable to have a hierarchy, some literature is just of a higher quality than others. That aside, what assholes to complain about this on the internet.
when I read classic books in high school, I didn’t fully understand it. Knowing what I know now, I wish that I would have taken the time to understand the context. Now in my middle 20s I’m re-reading them and finally understand it. (Kinda embarrassed that I’m a late bloomer) but I’m loving reading again! So that’s a plus.
I wish I had a teacher as passionate about reading as you are! I was fortunate to be in a theatre program in high school, so I read a bunch of Shakespeare, Chekhov and Ibsen, and other classics for that.
I have teenage boys. Both of them loved to read until they turned about 13, and nothing that I did encouraged them to read. Until my 15 year old son's teacher assigned The Hate You Give. He couldn't put it down. Then he picked up On The Come Up. And then moved on to Dear Martin. And he still isn't the kind of reader he was when he was younger, but he's more open to reading now than he was before, because of that teacher. I will always, always be thankful to his teacher for giving him the book that got him reading again.
And I have ALL THOSE BOOKS on our shelves at home! But he never had any interest in them until one teacher encouraged him to read it and that made all the difference.
Teachers have the power to encourage reading that parents don't and I am so thankful for teachers like you who are tireless in encouraging their students to read.
❤❤❤
No. The commenter is wrong about inhibiting your students reading level. I’m a special education teacher, and I’m a mom. It’s very difficult to get my students and children to read as they are not interested in reading in general. We are reading The Ickabog as it is interesting to my daughter. I understand that JK Rowling’s personal opinions are problematic, but her work is helping my daughter to read.
I’m an elementary school teacher (2nd grade!) and it’s funny how similar my outlook is to you. I have a TON of books in my class library and the kids are encouraged to read anything that is appealing to you. I have them read independently. I do Book recommendations and I have the kids do their own books reviews. It’s so important to talk with them about books!
Crazy that people are complaining about teacher’s abilities during COVID!!! My uncle has been a middle school English teacher for almost 31 years and it’s not an easy job. Also some students don’t always come from privileged backgrounds and haven’t had access to certain resources i.e. (getting the opportunity to read books/can’t afford luxuries like reading) I just wish people from other places would take that/those individuals into account.
I teach 7th grade ELA and you hit the nail on the head. I resonated with this video SO much. I feel you and people have no idea what we go through trying to get kids to read. 🙃
The idea that you’re inhibiting their reading when all you’re doing is getting them to actually read on their own is ridiculous! You are doing a fantastic job, keep it up!
Really great video! I think what you're doing is amazing and I'm sorry people were being jerks about it on GG.
Never in my life would I have thought that I would want to be a teacher. I Was always good in school and English was always my favorite subject and English teachers were my favorite teachers, but never came across my mind to teach. Now that my Niece is getting older and I help her with her homework on the regular, I learned recently that I actually enjoy giving knowledge to others 😂 Been thinking about going to college to pursue an English and teaching Degree. The biggest issue I have with this though is that they would call me Mr.Cox and I know I will get bullied 😂
I love that you share your passion for reading with your students. My 6th grade teacher stoked my already simmering passion for books. i'll never forget her for it and always be grateful. Thanks for all that you do!
Any kind of reading - classics, young adult novels, graphic novels - ANY reading is beneficial to children of any age. As an English major myself, I understand your frustration. That is EXTREMELY ENTITLED for someone to make that kind of comment. You don't know the background many kids come from and what may have caused them to be illiterate. Some people are so blind and uneducated about things they know nothing about or don't care to learn about. Love this video. Stand up for your students.
Loved the insight you have to teaching! Also the fact that you try to "normalize" reading really struck home with me bc I was picked on for always being a reader in high school with my friends and I wish we would have had independent reading sessions in school!
I remember all kinds of classics assigned in school. Did I read them yeah sure, but did I enjoy them or say yes I need to read more? Rarely lol. And even though I was in advanced English, I had a lot of struggles understanding classics. Now, as an adult, I can grasp the concepts easier. I discovered my love of reading from Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. And then Twilight and Hunger Games. So fantasy/YA. The only time I really went away from fantasy is when I found your channel lol. So thank you:)
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It is amazing how much a kid can improve their reading comprehension with reading more. My 10-year-old son hated reading. Would never read at home. We finally found a series called Dragon Masters and he has been reading those. (I think they are 2nd/3rd-grade level but at least he is reading!) He improved on his state test from below level at 35% to high level at 80% in just one semester.
Crazy!
amy
I never comment but I’ve been watching you for YEARS. And I have never seen a teacher CARE this much about her students and the literacy levels of her students. I can’t believe people with their comments. You have my full support! I wish there were more teachers like you! ❤️📚
Also it’s just so refreshing to hear a teacher be so passionate. Some people shouldn’t teach .. and it’s so obvious. But I love that you love what you do. The kids need more teachers like you ! 💜💜
I had a teacher exactly like you they are the best ones. My teacher once gave me for Christmas a Mary Kate and Ashley book that I was wanting on my back then tbr. Even though my parents can afford it. She got everyone books that Christmas. It is now one of my fondest memories as an adult. She motivated me to get books now.
Amazing video Jess! Thank You so much for being so passionate about teaching your students about reading and wanting them to read and like to read. Shame on that person for writing that about you and that you lower your student’s reading levels. You sound like an incredible teacher and please never give up on wanting every student you come across to read 💕
When you said that the person said “inhibiting their reading growth yada yada” I was like how privileged if they feel that the only worthy books are classics. Seriously you can learn so much from YA, middle grade everything! I get your frustration. Plus you have to meet your kids where they’re at, and if that’s YA, that’s great! You keep inspiring people to read, I know you have with me!
People who are not teachers are very quick to judge what happens in a classroom based solely on 'what they did in school.' I have no doubt in my mind that you're a fantastic teacher and your kids are so lucky to have such a passionate reader to support them! It was so nice to listen to your answers to questions, and thinking about how I would answer them myself (although I teach Kinder kids).
Wow. The kids in your class are SO LUCKY!! I used to teach elementary age kids and I know every teacher out there has an incredibly difficult job. I love your positivity and how obvious it is that you truly care about your kids.
Learning about your job is so nice. I applaud you for it! I always loved my English/reading classes. 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I would love to see a classroom shelf tour!! I am a high school choir teacher!
So fascinating!!! I'm from Tennessee (class of 2016) and our 10th grade year was Dystopian Literature (read Fahrenheit 451, 1984, and some other short stories) and World Lit was senior year. I started reading for fun my sophomore year of school after a friend suggested Divergent to me. I went from never reading unless assigned to having not put a book down to this day! It makes me so happy that you are promoting reading to your kids!!!! Hope they all find their Divergent:))))
Fellow high school teacher here. Really enjoyed this, and found it very interesting! I think you do a great job with your channel and being a teacher too. I couldn’t do it, but just bc it’s not for me; I think the way you handle it is admirable. You responded very well to the criticism. I would have been fuming at some of those peoples comments. Whew!
I'm not surprise by that comment. As an adult people still feel the need to comment that I read YA or romance, instead of 'intelligent' books... I read for enjoyment and I'd have killed to have a teacher who brought books into the classroom. Especially ones that weren't part of the lesson plan!
So cool to see another teacher on booktube! Sending good vibes your way. As a first grade teacher I miss being in person but also want everyone to feel safe. If I taught the big kids as I call them I’d love to teach English or social studies. ❤️ 🍎
As a teacher myself it’s interesting to hear another perspective, especially from a different country. The lack of a school library hurts. People who don’t teach themselves always have so many... thoughts.
I really hated reading books in school. My mom had to read my books for book reports and write it out because I couldn't get past the first few pages, and yes, I can read. When I graduated high school that's when I started reading up a storm. I would buy books and go to the library all the time. Them I got my Samsung tablet to read and then it broke so now I read on my kindle paperwhite.
I loved watching this as a fellow English teacher! I have 6th and 11th graders, which are two vastly different age groups - and I love both! 🤪
I am really curious about how you view audiobooks for your students and if you ever used audiobooks as a way to get students interested in physically reading. I was a reluctant reader for so many years but then I started listening to audiobooks and realized I love to read and then started picking up actual books when I couldn't find the audiobook version.
I love the fact that you are passionate about kids reading more. I don't understand why there's still comments about it, I guess you really can't please everyone but I wish I had a teacher who pushed us to read more or even lent books to students.
From what I see, you are so passionate and determined in helping kids. That itself should be applauded. You are doing amazing!
As a fellow English teacher, getting books in their hands is the most important part of our jobs. Any reading is good reading!
I loved my Eng/Lit teachers in school, and my school librarians were amazing. All through what would be the US equivalent of elementary and middle school we would have a library period. Ever since I was in year 8 all the way till I graduated (we had a combined middle and high school) I became a "friend of the library" and basically volunteered there (shelving, checking books in and out for other students etc). It was great as the school computers were also there so those of us who were and who weren't interested in reading could all hang out during our breaks or free periods as well.
Thank you for sharing your experience! 💖 I graduated last November with my elementary education degree and took on a long-term sub position for a 1st grade classroom. What you said about classroom management made me feel seen! 💛💛 It has been the hardest year and so much of has to do with not having any classroom management! But you are reminding me that it comes with time and its okay to struggle! Your students are so lucky to have you!
It definitely takes time!! I was a hot mess my first year, especially when it came to classroom management. There’s only so much you can learn without actually experience teaching in the classroom. I hope next year is better for you!!
This is my second year teaching and it is SO much harder this year than my first because of COVID-19. I feel so cheated by all the people who told me this year would be easier XD
Can we take a minute to acknowledge how lucky your students are that they have a teacher like you! ❤️
❤️❤️
No one writes or reads like Austen anymore....it’s not relevant to the modern youth’s life and future life experiences. Not saying classics are aren’t fantastic, but not everyone wants to be a snoot about their reading. I recently went on a practical experience in a school and they have 20minutes first thing in the morning for “accelerated reading” and my 8th graders were reading diary of a wimpy kid and I wanted to cry in a corner 😂
I cannot believe they got rid of the library...that's wild!
I’m so glad you made this video! I’m about to take my certification exam to teach middle/high school social studies, and I find your love of teaching so inspiring 💕
Keep doing what your doing! I wouldn’t read that alternate website... people will always judge and have their own opinions. You keep on shining the way you do!
Thank you for making this video! It was very interesting learning more about what being a high school English teacher is like. Ugh the ones bragging about not reading aggravates me, too. My husband was one of those kids who never read and still doesn't. Drives me crazy! This was very informative and interesting!
Omg they got rid of the library 😮😮😮 WHAT! Your students are so lucky to have you and your bookshelves! I’m also shocked at the comment that you’re inhibiting students .. they’re at the perfect age for young adult books.
Oh also, Things Fall Apart is such a good book. I will say I didn’t always read assigned reading in high school and I love reading 😂
Thank you for doing this video! It’s always fun to learn how teachers from the other side of the world do their job. Also, only teachers know how much of struggle to make students like something that they don’t even like to begin with so you are doing a great job in promoting reading 👏
I love this. I used to work as a reading specialist with 7th/8th graders at a Title 1 school and it was the hardest job I ever had! But so important. Keep doing what you’re doing!!
I love this video!! Thank you so much for all you do for your students!!
I was a teaching assistant at a primary school (elementary school in the US) and I completely agree with what you say about kids/teenagers and reading. There is absolutely no point in forcing someone who doesn't like reading and doesn't want to read to read something they aren't interested in, they won't get anything out of it so there's no point. The range of reading ages I worked with completely differed from the ages the children were and you want them to enjoy whatever they're reading despite their age. What you're doing is amazing, giving these kids access to books when maybe their parents don't care for reading or don't read with them is absolutely brilliant. I can tell you really care about these kids from how you talk about your job and I can see your passion. I wish I'd had a teacher like you when I was in school ❤️
I read because I had a teacher like you. I'm dyslexic and thanks to a great special ed's teacher I started reading at 14! Didn't really read classics until my early twenties except for class. I preferred in my teens, Stephen King, John Saul ...until I was 17 when my friend introduced me to romance. Good for you showing your "kids" more than the classics!! PS: I too am close to finish my masters. PPS: YA didn't exist when I was a teen...love a lot of YA
absolutely kids do not like to read! I also hated reading as a teen and I think its because we're forced in school to read lots of books that are boring and were not interested in. when I was 32 i started reading for fun and it changed my life.. so thank you for bringing interesting options and a plethora of them for your students.
Any reading is better than none. Keep up your great work with your students!
Preach woman! I am in college to be an English teacher. I understand exactly where you are coming from!
This was SO interesting!!!! I'd love to hear more about your degrees!!!
The books going missing / getting mangled ... I felt that. I did just have a senior return a book she'd borrowed freshman year. So... don't give up hope.
Hey I just came over from the Bookables fam to check out your channel. I was originally here to watch your Romance Boom tag, but clicked on this video out of curiosity. I got really interested when you mentioned you teach a guided reading class. As a Mom of two children who struggle with reading, I think the person who criticized you on GG can shut their pie hole. I had to force my son to pick a different book for his Silent Sustained Reading because he just kept re-reading The Hunger Games. We have found that having different physical books and Audio books has been helpful for him. Having teachers like you who love reading, and have all sorts of different books in their classroom is key for kids like my sons finding books they like and will Actually read.
It sounds like you’re an amazing teacher! 💗 I would’ve loved to have a teacher like you when I was in high school! I did read a little in high school, and it was mostly YA too, I would go to the local library on the weekend to pick out books. I was mostly reading the Gossip Girl books, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Twilight 😆
I imagine it would be really difficult as a teacher to get teenagers to actually give reading a go.
@peacelovebooks fellow teacher, I don't know if you already do this but a fun activity in class could be getting all your kids set up on the libby/overdrive app so they can have access to audiobooks for your kids who need more incentive to read or who struggle with reading. Kids who already have library cards can bring them to sign up with the app. I would make sure all kids have a device to do it on before doing it though.
Also a 9th and 10th grade ELA (and yearbook!) teacher. You summed everything up perfectly. Finding out we were losing our school library as well broke my heart 😞
Love your outlook!!! I love reading and have since elementary school, but hated reading anything assigned to me in middle and high school. If it was required... I was probably going to skim. But choices, much, much better.
I was going through some of your previous videos that I hadn't seen before and ran across this one. I'm retired now but taught 6th grade ELA for 37 years. Based on your description, it sounds like the set up of your classroom is very similar to the one I had except mine was a 6th grade version. I agreed and identified with everything you said. One of my biggest challenges was finding high interest books with male protagonists, and I did find some good ones. As luck would have it, I retired in January of 2019 right before the Pandemic - have no idea how you guys coped with that. I wish you luck as you continue with your career, and I really enjoy your channel. I've found some really good books based on your recommendations, so I hope you keep making videos for a long time to come. 👏 😊
Great video. I'm studying to be a teacher and classroom management is what intimidates me the most. Thank you for being open about your experience as a teacher. I think people have this idea that teachers aren't allowed to be humans or to enjoy and be opened about their hobbies if it's not "academically correct".
I am a new HS English teacher and just want to share that I enjoy your book suggestions. Very helpful!
By the sound of it I’m that anomaly teenager 😂
I love that you’d school has a program like that. Both my children struggled with reading and the schools solution was to tell me to help teach them. I’m not a teacher, I don’t know how to best teach someone to read. I myself have never struggled with reading therefore I can’t grasp how best to teach someone who does struggle
I’m so sorry! I am incredibly lucky my school put this system in place and that I have classes built into my schedule specifically for reading!
While there were definitely some classics I read and enjoyed in high school, I wish I had teachers focusing on more modern or YA books sometimes. It sounds like you're an amazing teacher!
I wish I had a teacher like you. All my teachers act like they don’t want to be there.
Wow... That is not the statement that I expected someone to say. Some people are so ignorant... People have such crazy opinions. Everyone has such different reading levels. I was reading one or 2 books a day, and then I had friends who read the same book for the whole semester.
I really love hearing you talk about this from an educational point of view.
I am only as inhibited as I am with reading because I had teachers who saw my love and encouraged me to read more. They are very precious women in my heart for doing that for me. But I understand that not everyone will have that passion I do naturally. And you have to do whatever you can to get them interested.
Awesome video! Would love a classroom shelf tour!
I live in Indiana and teach in Kentucky. I feel you on everything you said about teaching virtually versus in person.
I'm the ELA Dept Chair at the middle school I teach at. I still teach 8th grade...17 years later I definitely don't think I'd every want to do anything else. I hate paperwork so definitely not anything administrative.
I think every teacher who watches this will understand your frustration with people's skewed view of teachers and education.
As a bookseller I will tell you it doesn’t matter what they read, as long as they do.
When I was in high school I wasn't into reading at all. I only got into reading once I discovered romance books from my library. Was bored one day and decided to go to the library and see if I could find a book to pass the time. Since then I've branched out into reading some biographies of rockstars in addition to reading romance. Teenagers are more interested in hanging out with friends and being with their peers. Doesn't mean that down the road they won't appreciate reading once they've matured.
I can't believe someone would say that, as someone who worked with the school district in my state for 7 yrs. Helping children from primary to middle school aged children read and write. I was a teachers assistant and kids who were struggling were assigned to be in smaller groups, so I could focus more on them was helpful as it showed on test scores of improvement. That person is coming from a privileged background in saying what they did. I myslef was in a guided reading program from 2nd grade to 5th grade and because of it when I went to middle school I was reading at my level. My brother who is 3 yrs older has always been an advanced reader, so it only comes to show that ppl are different even in the same household. I also come from a household with one educated parent and a parent who only attended kindergarten. My brother who also worked with the school district for 10 yrs in a program that assisted high school students failing classes be able to retake those classes they failed again and pass them with credit. All those students were struggling in different subjects, but they reached out to this smaller program to be able to graduate. Mind you these high school students come from high schools of over 4,000 students per school, so of course these kids can't get the attention they need. My brother, mother, and me have also tutored kids because they were struggling. At times we were paid with a meal because those parents didn't have enough money to pay $5 for an hr of tutoring. These kids we tutored came from homes, where the parents couldn't speak English or had no education, so were unable to help their children with homework. You donating your books is a great thing to be doing for your kids and books that they would actually want to pick up. These guided reading classes you teach are an essential tool for a better chance for these kids. I have seen kids act in anger or aggressive behavior because they feel frustrated and embarrassed. Other kids make fun of them for not reading at the level they should in my school district, which in turn makes kids skip classes or not want to attend classes at all. I have had 2nd grade kids nearly get into physical fights over being made fun of for not reading at level or refuse to participate in group because they didn't want to struggle. I am mad with you Jessica that a person would ignorantly make such a crass statement.
i really enjoyed this video and this is so random but I'm from Ohio too and I remember the OGT haha that feels like a lifetime ago!
I wish I had a teacher like you in high school! Really awesome video 😊
I'm in my sixth year of teaching, too, and I don't think many people outside of the classroom understand how much students have changed over time. Education, reading and critical thinking are not high priority in the USA and that's bound to show through our kids. I'm an ESOL teacher who's ended up teaching science despite being an English major and I try to emphasize the importance of reading to my English Learners because literally every state assessment is a reading test. If you can't read then test then it doesn't matter if you understand the science/math/history. Unfortunately, again, reading is just not seen as important anymore so I think you're doing a great job providing your kids high interest books that can get them engaged and practicing reading more, even if they don't enjoy the process yet.
I am a teacher... Kinda.... I am an Instructor of Nursing for the University of Nebraska. I really like teaching and encouraging the next generation of nurses. Thanks for being a teacher. It is hard. It is worth it.
much love,
amy
Where I live, we have a “no child left behind” program. Meaning, kids who “fail” their grade actually don’t get held back and still move on to the next grade. I’m in my late 20’s and love to read. I have a brother who is in 6th grade, middle school, and he struggled throughout elementary to read and write and spell. He was never held back because of that program they have now in place. When I was in first grade I was held back but now I guess they don’t do that anymore. I honestly believe this is why kids can’t read because when they’re not ready they get pushed onto the next grade anyway. Therefore when they’re in high school they still can’t read above a third grade level because they never learned or had the time to slow down because the system push them forward. That’s the flaw in our system now is that they don’t want to actually teach children, they just want to push them through the system to graduation as quickly as they can. This is not to say it’s a teachers fault. I’m just stating that I think the school system in general needs to be fixed
We didn’t read that many books for school. We didn’t read any classics. My mom was/ is a reader so I got the love for reading from her but school in austria wasn’t big on reading. We had a library where we could get books but we didn’t have to read books for school (age 6-13). We had to read out loud from the normal textbooks for what ever class/topic but that was it. And if you’re making fun of someone who can’t read or isn’t good at it - you’re not helping! Also: it‘s not just on the teachers if they can read or have read a book.
You should try to not let uneducated people bother you. I also am an educator...and in my opinion it has much more to do with the home life. Parents who do not read themselves, let alone read to and with their children. Kids almost have no chance of loving to read of they were not read to DAILY as young children. I do not believe it has much to do at all with educators. There is only so much a high school teacher can do once the kids get to you at 15 years old and never were read to from ages 0-15. You are SO RIGHT to provide books that your kids will relate to and enjoy...no matter the reading level.
Also...you do you on your personal time. I love your videos.
Yes!! I mentioned this originally, but I didn’t like how I worded things and cut that part out. SO MUCH has to do with the home life and so many kids have parents who don’t even have books in the house. So it’s hard to teach the value of reading when parents don’t also value it 😕
i loved this discussion!!!
I love what you're doing for your kids! Libraries are so important!! I'm shocked to hear that your school doesn't have one. That's devastating. I will say on the note about people bragging about not having done the reading in HS, is that at least when I was in HS (the 00s) the only books teachers were pushing were by old, dead, white men. And coming from an all Black school, no one was interested in reading things they can't relate to 🤷🏾 so when folks are joking around about not doing the reading that's at least where my circle of friends, etc are coming from.
you know what, ironically, the reason why I didn't grow up as a reader apart from financial struggles was when I was in my high school years, teachers required us to read a lot of classics. It was my initiation into reading novels. I remembered not enjoying reading Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, etc. so by the time I finished high school, I was exhausted of reading, and everytime I saw fiction books, I was quickly intimidated because of these not enjoyable memories. It wasn't until 2020 that I finally managed to read stories that I think would enjoy. Now I read 1 book a day (and most of them are romance lol)
"Let me just say that I am two months away from finishing my masters in literacy," - literally just crammed this in there despite it's irrelevance.
Loved this video! I had been hoping you would do a video like this. :)
When you talked about there not being a library made me really really sad
“I do get frustrated with co-workers who don’t do their jobs”
Spill the tea Queen 😏 who are they lol
Can't believe you were getting hate for promoting literacy. How is That a thing?!? Twilight, as problematic as it is will always have a special place in my heart because it got my daughter into reading. Same reason I tolerated those World of Warcraft novelizations. Those got my son to pull his little face away from the computer and read. Teachers are just not appreciated enough in this country. It's ashame.
Wow, no library at your high school?! I’m sure that’s insanely frustrating. I’ve been an elementary classroom teacher and seen many different libraries: some that were wonderfully utilized and others that were never updated. I’m hoping to get a school librarian job for the fall.
Honestly I’m just stuck on that fact that y’alls school starts at 7:30 for high school 😂 it was 9-4 here lol Loved this video! You never really think about how much English teachers have to deal with when you don’t have to...now I feel bad for not reading grapes of wrath in high school but it was the one book I just couldn’t get through 🤦🏽♀️
Also, god bless you. Seriously!
Books are gold.
Fellow 9th and 10th grade English teacher here, and everything you said 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
::HUGE HUGS:: Thanks for speaking your truth.
On the other hand we have a lot of adults on booktube terrified of trying adult books. YA books are important and good and have some of the best diversity around. But classics can be made accessible, the issue is they're pushed as you just have to read these, we said so because they were written a long time ago. Not here look at this cool story.
My English teacher gave extra credit if something was on tv or paper that mentioned or reference a book we read in class.
I'm sorry...no library!! Lordt how is that legal? Thank you for basically creating a library for your kids.
You are an amazing teacher!!
Thank you ❤️❤️