Almost every student, from preschool on through adult, has the potential of becoming a reading champion. But to make it happen, teaching practice has to follow the dictum of John Dewey, reaching students where they are at instead of where we think they should be. We need to realize that each student is unique--there is no such thing as a "standard" student. And then we have to start teaching to each individual's wants and interests.
 

What is a Reading Champ?

"Reading Champs" are people, of any age or gender, who have the power to enrich their lives because they are more able to read, understand, and make use of any kind of text.
They aren't smarter than average people, because they are average people. They just seem to be smarter because they are usually better informed! They are easy to spot because ...

• Reading Champs read!
• They are usually more involved in the world around them. They know the stories behind the sound bites on the six o'clock news.
• They read to learn. And, more important, then know how to read to learn.
• They usually read faster than the average person, and they retain more of what they read.
• They read for enjoyment. They build personal libraries of biographies, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and--quite often--old textbooks.
• They are almost never bored.
• They would rather read than watch TV or play video games.
• They are usually better spellers and more interesting speakers. They often have higher self esteem and are more self confident.
• They are usually more interesting because they are better conversationalists.
• They are often writers as well as readers.
• They enjoy greater job opportunities and are usually more capable in seeking out more personally-satisfying jobs.
• They are more likely to be promoted because of their greater ability to communicate.

And anyone can be a Reading Champ because they are made, not born!

You can become a Reading Champ, and even a Coach for future Reading Champs. You can help your children (or your students) become reading champs as well.