Terry Meier

"From these book reading experiences, many children acquire an extensive book-based vocabulary and absorb important cultural lessons about things like gender roles, family relationships, and the nature of friendship. They also come to view book reading as a pleasurable and rewarding activity and to see books as an authoritative source of knowledge about the word." (page 244)

I think this quote is important because it talks about what students learn from reading books. Typically most students do not enjoy reading books but when they start at a young age and are not forced they enjoy reading. From reading students learn in a more affective way values that are hard to teach. this quote says they learn cultural lessons, gender roles and family relationships, things that are not easy to teach in another way. When students enjoy reading their knowledge is able to grow a great amount more than if they do not enjoy it.       

"...these early book reading experiences also give children practice in expected book reading behaviors, such as listening quietly and attentively while the story is being read, raising one's hand to answer questions posed by the teacher, and holding on to (and remembering) one's own questions until the teacher signals the appropriate time to ask." (page 244)  

I chose this quote because it points out positive aspects of early reading that I would not usually think of. Early book reading experiences teach students discipline in raising their hand and listening and this allows them to focus more on the story. Often students raise their hand and want to speak so badly they get distracted and do not listen to the story. When students learn at an earlier age the knowledge is stronger. Reading at a early age teaches students not only themes in the stories but also how to pay attention when others are speaking. 

"...the sooner children forge a deep and authentic connection to books- the likelier it is that they will be successful in school. There is no more essential task for teachers in preschool and kindergarten classrooms than to help make books meaningful in children's lives." (page 246)

It is important to get students involved in reading but it can not be forced. Students need to enjoy reading at a young age otherwise it will hard for them to ever like it. Also forcing them to read when they do not want to will not benefit them. If students do not enjoy reading in the beginning of their education, it is important to find a way to get them involved, possibly through acting out stories. Once students enjoy reading their knowledge expands which allows them to be more successful.