Students need to make their own choices about reading material and writing topics.

Failure is not an option, so why talk about it?

Students need to make their own choices about reading material and writing topics.

I never tell students they cannot read a book they pick up, but I do guide them toward books that I think would be a good fit for them. I think of myself as a reading mentor-a reader who can help them find books they might like.

I try to teach my students that books are a mirror, reflecting their own lives, and a window, giving them a peek into someone else's.

Students will read if we give them the books, the time, and the enthusiastic encouragement to do so. If we make them wait for the one unit a year in which they are allowed to choose their own books and become readers, they may never read at all. To keep our students reading, we have to let them.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.