Recent studies have shown that teenagers don't read books like they used to. Specifically, a recent report by Common Sense Media finds that many students are only reading for pleasure (essentially, meaning reading books that they choose, and that they like) a couple of times a YEAR!
Here's an extra credit opportunity for you:
Read this article from the New York Times Learning Network. Then, use the questions they provided to write a response. Post your response as a comment on the NY Times blog (follow directions, using only your first name). Once it's posted, copy it (including your name and the time it posted) and post it here on our blog as a comment as well.
In order to get credit, you need to address the questions they pose, and you need to make sure that your response is proofread. You must post your response by 8 PM on Sunday May 18. Be thoughtful and honest!
Alex May 18, 2014 · 4:10 pm
ReplyDeleteI think that the Common Sense Media study shows people the true and valid decline of reading for pleasure among teenagers; however it is unclear if this study was done solely in the United States or all around the world. I feel as if the location of the study would make a significant difference in the perspective of how to interpret the data. Is there a decline in the U.S. or the whole world? In my opinion, the world is too diverse to allow for an unknown location. But disregarding that factor, yes I do believe it to be true among the teenagers I know. It definitely depends on the teenager, but without doubt, I believe that if our English teacher weren’t forcing my class to read books for pleasure, we would definitely not be reading as much as we are now. And yes, I do agree with Frank Bruni that “reading does things – to the brain, hear and spirit – that movies, television, video games, and the rest of it cannot,” for it allows for more usage of imagination and creativity, increasing the work that the brain must do. When there are no pictures, readers must use their imagination and creativity to create visual images of the characters and settings of the book. When watching movies, shows, or playing video games, the chance for using imagination is taken away. The last time I read something for fun was Friday. I am currently in an English class in which our teacher “forces” the class to read independently for pleasure; however, I do not believe that it is necessarily by “force.” I can tell that most of the class actually enjoys their time reading the books they take interest in. Currently I am reading Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent series; and let me tell you, it is one hell of a series. I thoroughly enjoy reading when I do, which I do mostly in class when our teacher allows us the time. I would say we read in class two to three times a week, and I will read on my own when I have the time (which varies week to week). When I read a book, I feel like I am “transported” to a whole new world; the world of the story. It’s almost as if I’ve left my world, or as if my world has been transformed to fit the one of the story’s. When I stop reading, it feels like I’ve woken up from a dream. The best books I’ve read are Divergent and Insurgent; it is definitely my favorite series. I am very into romance books, along with a tint of adrenaline scenes, and that is exactly what this series has. I would definitely recommend these novels to the people who have a similar taste in books as I do. Another series I would recommend is the “Death by…” series. This series also contains romantic and action scenes. I’ve enjoyed many other books, such as “Everyday” by David Levithan, which was a series with a romance genre, but it truly opened my eyes. I learned about more and different lens of life that others may see through, which made me a more open minded and less judging individual. Stories can do miracles.
Michael May 15, 2014 · 7:08 pm
ReplyDeleteThe Common Sense Media study makes complete sense. I have never, and I mean never, heard any of my friends talk about how I absolutely need to read a certain book or how awesome said book is. Frank Bruni makes a valid argument about the strength that book presents compared to less connecting forms of media. For example, in my experiences, and im sure in many others, the book has almost always been better than the movie. It permits the reader’s imagination to run free and create an environment with characters that are unique in the sense that no one else will create the same imagery. On the other hand, movies/tv create visuals that everyone experiences and is not as personal to the viewer. The last time I read something for fun was probably two months ago and ironically, it was not my choice. In my 11th grade English class we read every day. This has opened my eyes to the writing style of a few great authors. Currently I have reading The House of The Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. If it wasn’t for my English teacher’s promotion of reading in class I definitely wouldn’t have been able to experience such great literature. There have been special times where I completely forget I am even in class or laying in bed while reading a great book. In these instances I have been completely thrown into the plot which is somewhere between experiencing it first hand and watching it on tv. The book I am currently reading is one of my favorite books of all time. Although I haven’t read as many books as other literature experts have, I still believe it’s an incredible book that people should read if given the chance. Other notable books to read are World War Z by Max Brooks and The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak.