R is for Reading

     I have always loved to read.  Books, magazines, blogs, whatever, I enjoy reading it.  I believe my love of reading can be traced back to my second grade teacher Mrs. Babcock.   Without a doubt I would have to say Mrs. Babcock was my favorite elementary school teacher.  I loved her and was very sad when halfway through that year my family moved to New Albany and I didn't get to finish the year in her class.

     None the less, Mrs. Babcock remained my favorite teacher.  She was one of the sweetest women I had ever met.  Because I walked to school she often let me stay after school and erase the blackboards.  She and I became great friends.  Every few weeks after school she would travel to Corydon to the public library to get new books for our classroom.  With mom's permission, Mrs. Babcock would take me with her and let me help pick out the books.  We would have so much fun and I so looked forward to those trips.  Reading was very important to her and she lovingly instilled in all of us just how important it was in our lives.

     I will never forget my first public speaking attempt.  Our class had to put on a  program for something; not sure if it was a school board meeting, pta or just what the event.  My part in the program was to memorize a children's book and recite the  whole thing to the audience.  Luckily, it was a short book.  I wish I could tell you I remember the name of the book, but I can't.  All I remember is that it was something about building a wooden stile over a fence so kids or animals or the farmer or somebody could get over the fence.  I remember it was very repetitive.  If anyone recognizes the book I would love to know what it was.   I think I did okay, but what I do know for sure was how Mrs. Babcock encouraged us and gave us confidence because she believed in us.

     I will always be grateful to Mrs. Babcock for sharing her love of reading with me and the others in my class.  Teachers like her plant and water the seeds that grow into a thirst for knowledge that never gets satiated no matter how old we get.  She opened doors to the world for me and many others and she will always hold a special place in my heart for that.

     Monday, April 23 is World Book Night.  Volunteers all over the USA, including me, will be giving away copies of popular books to recipients who don't read much, maybe because they can't afford the books or maybe because they don't know about public libraries.   Please share your love of reading with someone who needs a hand.  Show them a book can open up worlds of possiblities!  For more info on World Book Night you can visit their website at http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/

 

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat