Group Reading

When we picture reading we picture someone alone with a book, probably in a silent room.  My experience has been that this is rarely the case.  Reading is meant to be shared.  When groups of kids are huddled over the same picture book ooohing and ahhhing over the same pictures and bringing observations and insight to each page, I see true reading.  This is not solitary and it is not quiet, but it is quality time with the literature.  When they progress to chapter books, I see them constantly get the same book as their friends, just to read it together.  I say more power to them.  When I read a good book, the first thing I want to do is share it with someone, so we can discuss it.  When I fall for each new character I want someone to feel that with me.  When my characters don't do so well, I want someone to share my grief.  If we want lifelong, passionate readers, we need to get rid of this idea that reading MUST be silent and solitary.  Don't get me wrong, there is a time and place for that kind of reading, but we need to see the place of the other, too.