How would you prefer to read a book? By itself (pages), online, on tape, or (that new thing) Kindle? Why?
Preface from language arts teacher and Tween wrangler Mrs. Betsy Heath:
I am always asked how I feel about the fact that kids don’t read any more. That isn’t true! Insider readers would be amazed how many stories and books most middle school students read. However, many students read differently than we did when we were in school.
There are websites where students can find short stories and complete books to read on their computers. Books on tape or iPod are popular. In our entire cluster, only two families have Kindles, but the students are excited to try them and they see them as the way to read in the future. Our media specialist, Nancy Keane, has an award-winning site to help you find good literature for your student at nancykeane.com.
Matt Dube
This is hard to answer because it depends on the book. When you want to read a book over time and you do not mind stopping in between, then reading it yourself is good. If it is long or you’re tired, sometimes you just want to listen to a story while relaxing. Then you listen to a recorded story. But if you do not care that it will take a few days, so what? Then read it for yourself.
Emily Hewey
I like reading a book by itself because if I have a question about the book, all I have to do is flip to the right page with the right information on it. Also, I find that if I’m reading a book by pages, I concentrate more. I would also like listening to a book on tape because, if I knew how to drive, then I could listen to the book while I was driving. So, some adults could listen to books while they are driving to work!
Ben Heifetz
Personally, I can’t stand staring at a screen for more than a few minutes at a time. So, I prefer to use a regular printed book over a computer or Kindle. Books are also more fun for me to read because I can read it whenever I want to. To me, that’s all there is to it.
Hannah Linquata
I have never used a Kindle, but the idea sounds really cool. I think it would be a nice thing to have because it downloads books really fast. Also, it seems easier to carry than a book. Tapes are nice when you need to clean your room and want something to listen to. Online drives my eyes nuts and takes up my computer time. So, in the end, I prefer to read a book on a Kindle or by itself.
Rowan Ferrier
I have to say I like to read the old-fashioned way, right out of a book. On a computer, I can’t really concentrate with all of the things around the page. I’m not sure if I would like a Kindle. I think it is cool to have all those books in that small of an item.
Lexie Perlow
In my opinion, a plain and simple book is the best way to read. There are many advantages to reading a book by itself, like being able to take it everywhere. If you’re going on a vacation, a book can go with you! You can also use your own voice, which helps you make up accents for each character. A book, plain and simple, is entertainment in itself!
