My favorite thing about Reading Recovery is the observable difference between the way a child carries themselves when they walk into the first day of roaming, versus the way they carry themselves as they walk out. There is simply no better experience than to be a part of changing a child’s self-identity from one born of defeat, to one born of possibility. It is truly magical to witness this transition from hunched shoulders and timid eyes, to puffed-out chest and head held high, as they carry that little book bag out the door with total confidence that they can read the treasures inside.

Share a favorite Reading Recovery memory.

A favorite Reading Recovery memory of mine didn’t actually take place during a Reading Recovery lesson. It was the day that I was on bus duty after school, a few years after completing my training year. I saw one of my students from that very first round, now at the end of his third grade year. He was waiting in the bus line as he proudly held a certificate of recognition he had received from his teacher that day. I could see it was a certificate for reading and when I asked him about it, he proudly held it up to show me. It wasn’t a recognition for reading achievement, though he could have very well been deserving of one. Instead, under his name, it read, “Nose always in a book!” I almost cried right there in front of him. I couldn’t think of a better accomplishment than to have contributed to that child’s love of reading! Not only was he an effective reader, performing at grade level, he was also a lover of reading, so much so, that it was what he was known for!

What is your favorite book?

What do you like to do for fun?

“I am a nature girl, but not the live-off-the-land, survivalist kind. I’m more of a sit by the lake or hike a trail that leads to a waterfall, type. I love to be surrounded by God’s beautiful creation and if I have a book in my lap, it’s even better. I usually get my nature fix by camping with my family, at area lakes.”