Blog Reflection

           In the article Performative Literacy: The Habits for Mind of Highly Literate Readers, author Sheridan Blau describes the traits of strong readers and lists ways to improve reading habits, allowing us to classify our own strengths and weaknesses.

           In my experience as a reader there are two types of reading: reading for school and reading for fun. When reading for school, I tend to re-read areas I don't understand, annotate (which I loathe doing in fear for ruining the book), and generate questions based off of the text. However, as I am reading for fun, I often read faster, don't pay attention to the small details, foreshadow events, and get excited to read because it is a book I choose for myself. At times I could be classified as a strong reader based off of the amount I read, but when reading books I pick out, I don't use the best habits for learning.

          This article suggested that I keep a dictionary by my side when reading for school as well as reading for fun to improve my vocabulary and strength. I can also question myself more and take risks during class discussions and not be afraid to be wrong.

         I generally enjoyed the novels we read this year. I took notes and annotated, understood the text, and created my own questions about the plot. The only book that was a struggle to comprehend was Much Ado About Nothing due to the Shakespearean language and the multiple metaphors. Although it was difficult to read, I liked the play, and it taught me to keep going, use outside resources if confused, and ask for help if necessary.