Hi, my name is Odessa Scales. I am currently in my seventh year of teaching. I currently teach 2nd grade in Stokes County and have taught 4th as well. I am in my fifth semester in the masters program here at Appalachian.
I am an avid reader and it has always come naturally to me. Unfortunately as a teacher I feel like this is my weakest teaching area. I want my students to love reading as much as I do, but I find it a struggle to help them. This is the main reason that I decided upon a masters in reading education. I wanted to learn about ways to enhance my students reading experiences. I encourage my students to read and remind them that books can help us escape and learn new things, but that isn’t enough. I want to learn effective strategies to use in my classroom.
I really don’t remember how I learned to read. I remember in 5th grade my teacher had a couch and we would gather around and listen to her read books aloud. I used to love this because it felt so relaxed and comfortable, which helped me love reading even more. This was also the year I discovered The Babysitters Club books. My friends and I read them constantly. From then on I have loved reading books, especially books in a series. I am currently reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels and it has reminded me of how much I need to read for pleasure.
Odessa Scales