My take on: "I Read it, but I don't get it" by Chris Tovani

Hello Readers.

In the educational system today, it's fair to say that reading/reading comprehension isn't a students' favorite subject. Chris Tovani, points out how reading comprehension helps students succeed not only in reading and writing, but other subjects that shape them as a student. Tovani's strategies, to me, were worth-while for teachers to use in their own classrooms. While reading this, it made me question; Why wasn't this implemented into my upbringing in Spokane Public Schools? Noting that the book was published in 2000, it made me wonder why this book wasn't given to teachers? Well, if the book was given to teachers, why weren't the teachers at my high-school using these strategies? To me, it made no sense. Having trouble reading and writing growing up, I feel that the strategies given by Tovani, my comprehension skills would be much better than they are today. However, Tovani gave me strategies that I could even use in my own reading comprehension. The whole "Fake Reading" or the idea that one who reads just to get the assignment done, but doesn't actually remember or comprehend what they read, is totally me! The feeling of ADHD reading is something I've noticed myself doing. Not only does it not benefit me as a reader, it also doesn't benefit students who need to learn these strategies so they can become proficient. "Every student knows what it feels like to be a reading failure. They know what it's like to read a book and not 'get it.' They know how to fake-read and avoid reading at all costs" - Tovani. Tovani spoke to me the most in this simple statement. My first year in college at Washington State University (I remember vividly) having a mental breakdown because of all the reading I needed to do in the first week. Fake-reading my way through high school, I wasn't conditioned to read an entire book in one week. I was up to my ears in stress all because I was a fake-reader. It took me a lot of self-perseverance, and therapy sessions with my wife in order to make myself comfortable reading and knowing after, what I actually read. Tovani's strategies are gold and I plan on using these strategies in my future classrooms for those who are struggling more than others, and for those who think they know more than they do. Having a reading and writing disability myself, Tovani's strategies are real and teachers are able to put these strategies into a real-life example. Loved this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to teach!

Cheers.

Ryan