Dear Editor:
This is in response to the letter of January 7 concerning Demarest Middle School’s Reading is Rewarding Program.
In his letter, the writer stated that students should read books for the innate pleasure that this experience affords them. Of course, that is the ultimate goal of teaching children to read. In a perfect world, all one would have to do is introduce the books, give library cards to the students and get out of their way. But in the real world, as many parents of adolescents already know, some of today’s children prefer video games and television and do not consider reading to be a recreational activity. Today’s busy parents often do not take the time to read to their children when they are young, missing the opportunity to develop the connection between reading and pleasure at an early age.
Rewarding students’ reading efforts with financial incentives may not turn all students into life-long learners. It may, however, open a new world of books to students who had not realized how enjoyable they could be. Educational research shows that parental and community involvement strengthens schools. The community member who is trying to make a difference by funding this program should be applauded for lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness, whatever his politics may be.
Loretta Rhodes
Educational Media Specialist
A. J. Demarest Middle School