Most of us have been encouraged at some point in our lives to do something we thought we would not enjoy, but later we learned that the experience turned out to be a positive one. This was my situation with reading when I was in the fourth grade. When I began reading level one picture books in first grade, I dreaded reading. I struggled with my reading comprehension and speed, both of which were worse than those of my fellow classmates. Each year, I was insecure and felt like I was falling further behind everyone else. Then something surprising happened. I began the new school year in Mr. Kinkead’s fourth grade class. Little did I know that my opinion about reading would soon change. 

Throughout the fall, Mr. Kinkead emphasized the importance of reading to my class. Being only nine years old and having such a dislike for reading, even my favorite teacher was not able to persuade me to read more than what was required. But then in January, Mr. Kinkead announced that he was going to read the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to our class. I was indifferent upon hearing this news because being read to was not a problem for me. Reading independently was what really bothered me. From the first chapter of J.K. Rowling’s best-seller, I was captivated. I was fascinated by the way such intriguing fantasy and adventure were put into words. Each day during language arts class, Mr. Kinkead would have the class gather around him on our story-time carpet. Listening to my teacher read Harry Potter’s adventures and experiences became my favorite part of the school day.

By the time mid-February came along, my class was on the last chapter of the book. On the last day he would be reading to us, Mr. Kinkead called us to gather around him. He placed his hand gently on the book and said, “Now before we complete the final chapter, I want tell you all something.” Suddenly, I was not quite sure I wanted to hear what Mr. Kinkead had to say. But I knew it must be important because he was delaying the end to Harry Potter. Some of my fellow classmates exchanged confused glances with one another. “You are at an age where reading should be a top priority,” said Mr. Kinkead. “You want to try to improve your reading skills as much as you can because it will make everything else easier when you grow up. If you enjoyed this Harry Potter book, I strongly suggest that you read the entire series.”

Mr. Kinkead continued, but my thoughts were all over the place. This definitely was not the first time I had heard an adult tell me about the importance of reading. I hated hearing them say that to me, but it was different when Mr. Kinkead said it. Although Harry Potter would definitely be a tough read for me, I just knew I had to try to read the second book. Mr. Kinkead smiled at the class, and then opened the book to the final chapter. As usual, I was focused on the story the entire time Mr.Kinkead read to us. When he finally said “the end” and closed the book, I was disappointed along with the rest of my class.

A minute later, it was 3:30pm and time to leave school for the day. While the other students pushed through the door to exit the classroom, I stayed behind to talk to Mr. Kinkead. I went up to his desk and asked if he had any copies of the second book I could borrow because I wanted to get started reading it that night!  He smiled and said “I’m glad you enjoyed it! Of course I have a copy for you to borrow.” He turned to his bookshelf across from his desk and grabbed a copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Mr. Kinkead was still grinning when he handed me the book. He told me how proud he was that I had decided to read it independently, and he offered his assistance with comprehending the book if I needed any help. I thanked him and ran out of the classroom door to catch my bus home.

In less than a year, I finished reading the remaining six books in the Harry Potter series. My reading comprehension and speed improved remarkably during that time. I no longer dreaded reading on my own.  Instead, I began to look forward to reading as a way to explore new and interesting worlds, as well as to learn about life and the kind of problems that others faced. Reading became my way to make sense of the world and to understand more about how I might live my own life.

Mr. Kinkead’s encouragement and support of his students to read had a life-long impact on me. Without his showing me how much one could enjoy reading and his encouragement to read on my own, I do not know if I would enjoy reading as much as I do today. Not many people are willing to spend time doing something they are not good at, but I learned that it is possible to find pleasure in doing something even if you think you will hate it.  With the help from both an understanding teacher and an amazing book-series, I was able to look past my reading weaknesses and find lasting enjoyment in the activity.