Values and Reading.

Motivation to do good work in reading is a learned behavior. Values involve beliefs and worth and are likewise learned. Youngsters, particularly boys, are actually establishing one kind of hierarchy about values in their minds for school purposes but live according to another when they are out of school. An attempt must be made to correct this dual, confusing role that far too many children feel they must play. Some teachers unknowingly react to children in prejudiced ways. The wise teacher of reading will cherish youth first and skills in reading second. He will behave quite differently from the teacher who cherishes things, materials, and skills first as his own particular value pattern. Whatever teachers do at school, if children value it, they will learn it. Thus, it humbles all of us when we realize that the burden of responsibility is on our own shoulders to see to it that youth is experiencing the right types of reading, thinking, and value-oriented activities. (Author)