I hate to get all English teacher on everybody, but legendary American author John Updike died of cancer yesterday. He wasn't my favorite author, but I did teach a series of his poetry to my American Lit. students at Mountain View HS. I was listening to a memorial of him on N.P.R. They played a recording of Updike reading an essay regarding the importance of continuing to read fiction as well as to get to know fictional characters. He argued that fiction opens our minds and shapes our imaginations, while reading/watching only non-fiction keeps the mind flat.
I've never really thought about it before, but Reality T.V. threatens creating a strictly non-fiction society. It keeps us stagnant. This essay was very moving to me as a parent. I recommitted myself to pay special attention to what my kids are reading and watching. I want them to read the same classic stories that initiated my interest in learning more. I want them to have full imaginations so that they can think for themselves and have their own ideas about the world.
On that note, I just started reading The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, to my children. It begins, "The world is dark, and light is precious. Come closer, dear reader. You must trust me. I am telling you a story."
5 comments:
I knew there was a reason why I like fiction books so much!!!!
The Tale of Desperaux is fantastic! I used to read this to my students back in the day and finished reading it to Jonathan in Dec. He was so invested in the story! I hope that your boys enjoy it just as much!
Not to long ago I read The Tale of Desperaux it was awesome. The kids loved it. When I did my student teaching this was also one of the books that I read to the class. I'm sure that your boys will love it.
JoLynn
P.S. I haven't been able to get a hold of Ali yet to find out what works for her but Jen said Friday worked better for her. I will keep you updated!
i do have to admit, i like my biggest loser and survivor, but i love the lost and twilights. i agree, we need fiction, we need to escape reality and use our imaginations! we need our kids to dive into harry potter and such craziness. desperaux is one on owen's favorites! he loved it much more than the movie! right now i'm just sticking to reading the tag on my pillow...
I want to read that to my kids. We went and saw the movie and the kids loved it. Reading to my kids is truly one of my favorite things to do. Kaleb has just started bringing me books for me to read to him. I've tried to get him to sit and let me read to him forever. I haven't pushed. But now he is the one bringing me books. So exciting!
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