When someone becomes a teacher, she's like the matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. All year long she's trying to entice students to go out on dates with authors-that is, to pick up this book or that book and spend twenty minutes with the author, someone they've never met. The better she knows her students and authors or books, the more successful will be the "matchmaking." But the teacher {or librarian} who doesn't read much will fail for sure.
In Jim Trelease's "The Read-Aloud Handbook," a teacher is compared to a matchmaker, akin to the character in "Fiddler on the Roof." The teacher's role involves encouraging students to connect with books and authors, enticing them to explore literature. This is akin to setting up dates, where each book represents a potential relationship that can enrich a student's understanding and love for reading. A teacher's familiarity with both their students and the literary world plays a crucial role in this matchmaking process.
Moreover, Trelease emphasizes that success in fostering a love for reading hinges on the teacher's own reading habits. When educators engage with literature and share their enthusiasm, they create a vibrant atmosphere that motivates students to explore new books. Conversely, teachers who do not read regularly may struggle to inspire their students, missing out on forming those essential literary connections. Overall, the more invested teachers are in their own reading journey, the more effectively they can guide their students on theirs.
