Skylette Henderson
READ 3323
September 5, 2022
Reading Magic by Mem Fox was very informative. It gave insight on how to captivate
readers attention and keep them dialed in. Reading Magic had me hooked from the start. For
instance, Fox being able to connect with a child on an emotional level within minutes of meeting,
through reading (Fox, 2001, Ch. 2). The book discusses how important a creative foundation is
laid, within a child before they start school. Fox explained that reading can be very influential in
writing as well.
The book discusses how parents/teachers can push their children/students in the direction
of wanting to read. “The best time to start reading aloud to a baby is the day it is born” (Fox,
2001, Ch. 5). Parents assume since their children might not understand them, reading might be
pointless. But reading aloud from an early age can cause several different reading problems from
emerging.
The book Reading Magic grabbed readers attention by painting pictures in your mind.
For instance, “Shout: “Voices whispered on bushes.” The word whisper tells us clearly how to
say it” (Fox, 2001, Ch. 6). I imagined the person reading that aloud and understood how authors
instruct readers. The example revealed what can happen if it was done the other way around.
While reading I could also hear how different voices convey messages more clearly. Hearing a
high-pitched voice when someone is scared, is relatable. For a short example, “Goodness
gracious me” (Fox, 2001, Ch. 6)! Hearing that expressed high pitched, gives the assumption
someone might be frightened. The book had you hearing and picturing the passion that can be
expressed during a read-aloud.
I felt a personal connection to the book Reading Magic. When I read aloud to my
children at night, I see their faces light up. Just like in the book, “Ben's face was a light” (Fox,
2001, Ch. 2). They light up when I use different voices, funny faces, and ask them for help on
words. Chapter eight is inspiring to pursue reading with my one-year-old. Reading how a threemonth-old was able to grasp a better understanding of books. I’m even more determined, since
he is a boy!
The book brought back memories of sitting on the carpet in first grade and listening to
my teacher read. She read with passion and love. She made us feel sad, happy, and scared. She
had the power of sucking you into every word that left her mouth. Moments like that are what I
strive to do one day for my students. “...there's no fun anymore” (Fox, 2001, Ch. 15), was never
a phrase I used in her class.
The book Reading Magic instilled admiration within me. Mem Fox made great
suggestions, followed up by examples. Her book makes me want to test my new knowledge on
the matter. The emotional admiration stems from wanting to be a teacher that makes a difference.
Transforming a student's day from bad to better, is my goal. Fox gave me the tools to do that. I
would recommend this book to all teaching staff and parents. All teachers can benefit from the
book. Tone and expression alone can change the atmosphere in the classroom. Lastly, parents
who read to their children can change how they view reading forever.
Fox , M. (2001). Why reading aloud to our children will change their lives forever . Reading
magic . Retrieved September 5, 2022, from https://memfox.com/for-teachers/for-anyoneinterested-a-read-aloud-lesson/