As a kindergarten teacher, I am constantly at my wits end figuring out which picture book to read to my students AND which picture book I want my students to read by themselves. Therefore, it is refreshing to have a picture book without pictures that (1) students will enjoy and (2) will make students become more determined to become fluent readers.
I have put the K-3 students to the test. As you can see from the beginning of the video clip, the students have initially predetermined a picture-less book to be a boring book. This presents to teachers many problems because as children grow up, they WILL have to read books with no pictures in school. To become academically successful in school, they will also have to MASTER that reading ability. In the end, reading might potentially become a chore...a very boring chore. So how can teachers and parents help children to view reading as something fun and pleasant?
By helping them - from an early age - view printed words as stories in themselves. It's not necessary for books to have pictures in order for them to be enjoyable. It's the story and how the reader uses his or her imagination throughout the reading that makes the experience pleasurable and meaningful.
As I have said before, my goal for my students this year is to help them become fluent readers and develop a love for reading. Not just while they're studying in Sabai-Jai, but for the rest of their lives. I'm glad that B.J. Novak's book proves to be a very effective teaching tool in the process.
I wish you all an exciting and fun-filled Winter Break! See you all next year!
(I didn't want to say that.)