Rhapsody in Reading

EconTalk host Russ Roberts welcomed back Doug Lemov, of Uncommon Schools, for a very interesting conversation about reading, and especially, reading rigorously. In his book, Reading Reconsidered, Lemov’s primary audience is educators, but as Russ notes, and as should be evident from their conversation, it has relevance far beyond the classroom.

How much do you read today, and do you prefer electronic reading to “real” books? How has the digital age- and your cellphone, in particular- changed your reading habits? Those of your children and/or students? Do you ever read aloud anymore? Share your thoughts on this week’s episode with us; we love to hear from you.

1. What does Lemov mean when he says that reading is “first among equals,” and to what extent do you agree?
2. What’s the last book you really struggled with? What did you gain from the experience?

3. What are Lemov’s “tricks” to use when someone is reading something that’s very challenging? Which of these tricks have you tried, and how successful were you? Are they any other suggestions you might add?

4. How did this episode influence the way you think about reading? Will you change your own reading habits after listening to this conversation, and if so, how?

5. Is reading a fundamentally individualistic or social pursuit?