Rigorous Reading
Wisdom from the Field #32
In Walden, his classic memoir on purposeful living, Henry David Thoreau devoted a chapter to reading.1
Thoreau saw reading as the noblest of activities. In his mind, the act of reading demanded a considerable effort from the reader. It was on us to discern the message from the writer.
To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any exercise which the customs of the day esteem. It requires a training such as athletes underwent, the steady intention almost of the whole life to this object. Books must be read as deliberately and reservedly as they were written. (99)
Thoreau’s attitude to reading seems to reflect an aspect of the typical American culture: a rigorous, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps mentality.
Yet he also recognized the role of community in helping others access the opportunities that reading and similar experiences can offer.
It is time that villages were universities, and their elder inhabitants the fellows of universities, with leisure - if they are indeed so well off - to pursue liberal studies the rest of their lives. (107)
As with his other personal experiments and reflections, Thoreau sought balance.
Intensive Interventions
A misconception people have about Thoreau is that he lived alone during his time at Walden. In fact, he hosted visitors and came into town from time to time.
Related, it’s interesting that when a student is identified with difficulties in reading, the typical response is to remove them from their peers. Interventions are often treated as a solitary activity. Instead of surrounding these students with choice of rich texts and robust conversation, we isolate them in the name of fidelity.
I understand the need to devote our attention as teachers to the students who need it the most. And yet who benefits from this set up - the student or us?
As usual, I have more questions than answers. I hope you do too.
Wisdom from the Field is also a feature in my new book. Join me tomorrow to chat about it on Twitter!
Thanks for the Walden recommendation. On my list to read. https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/ Did you see this new study about Reading Recovery? How can people question RR efficacy without exploring what classroom instruction/ intervention RR students received after their RR lessons concluded? Post RR support is stressed in RR training. I really think the decision to discontinue RR is driven by budget shortages.