Excuses, Excuses...

I was really disappointed to see this article today on the USAToday website. It says that students claim they have too much homework, too much distraction and are too tired to read for fun. Now, first of all I have to say that I use to teach for a living, and the vast majority of my students in both the urban AND suburban districts that I was in didn't do the homework I assigned! And I know I wasn't the only teacher with this issue...so homework is a hard excuse for me to swallow. The distraction part...not so much. Too many kids are parked for FAR TOO LONG in front of their TVs, computers and video games.

The statement that really burned me was the one where they tried to say they can't find anything good they want to read. I don't have enough time to read all the fabulous stuff that's out there. And there is definitely something for everyone. How many of those kids have visited their public libraries lately?

Here's the biggest question that wasn't answered in this survey...how many of those kids who aren't reading for fun have parents who aren't reading for fun? Look at the influence list in the side bar - where do kids get their ideas for what to read? NUMBER ONE - MOM! We adults have to set the example!

So, all you parents out there, take advantage of your library this summer and sign your sons and daughters up for the summer reading programs. Get them on the right track! I believe the Half Price Bookstore has a summer reading promotion going on, too. If there is one in your neighborhood, check it out!Let's stop making excuses and get these kids on the right track!