I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in preschool setting up all my stuffed animals and reading to them.
I was most inspired by a college professor who began our first writing lesson in a unique way. She had us all lie on the floor, close our eyes and go back to a favorite place in our childhood. She has us see, feel, and even smell the experience. When she had us sit up we all looked around and noticed everyone had tears in our eyes. I realized right then that there is power in memory, storytelling, and sharing our experiences.
I have spent my career believing that children will love reading if they are given choice and time to engage with stories. Similarly, each child has stories to tell. Harness that excitement and you can hook them on reading and writing for life.