This chapter was a lot about confidence in reading and in life. This surprised me, because I didn't think that confidence ever played a role in reading. Now that I think about it though, some of my friends who weren't strong readers wouldn't want to read out loud in class, because they do not want to be embarrassed if they didn't know a word. What I found really helpful was the section on When students lack confidence. As a teacher it is my job to help the students become comfortable with reading and themselves. This section in the chapter will help me not only help them read better, but to connect with them. If I can find them a book they like, they will keep reading books that are similar to that book, and their reading level will go up along with their confidence.
Another part of the chapter that I particularly liked was the Keep your Expectations High section. I think that today teacher's lower their expectations and standards to accomodate students too much. Without high expectations and standards students will never grow and learn more. Some students physically or psychologically can't do the work, and that is something we need to take in to consideration. But, some students are just lazy and don't want to do the work. It is refreshing to read something that tells me to keep my expectations high, because all I hear from the government is to conform to the students only give them work they can handle. I know that school is stressful and hard, but doing busy work or easy lessons doesn't help students learn. This chapter gave me confidence in being a teacher and knowing that I need to follow my instincts.
I really liked this chapter. It really highlighted the fact that those students who don't have confidence in their reading skills don't want to read. I think this section offered great advice on what teachers can do to make students feel more comfortable with reading. I also liked that this section included what teachers shouldn't do, even though it may seem obvious.
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