The nuns were clear. I was an incorrigible brat who would never learn to read. Sensing that they were wasting money, my parents removed me from parochial school and put me in the local public school. So much for the teaching abilities of the Sisters of Perpetual Pain!
Less than two months later, I was reading at grade level, and soon I was above that. Public school was good for me!
I may have omitted the excellent third-grade teacher I had, Mrs. Kresge, who made it her mission to save me from almost three years of unremitting agony.
OK, you get the general idea that nuns swinging yard sticks are not my favorite teaching method. Mrs. Kresge believed that you sponsor student interest by engagement. She found the topics that fascinated me and led me to the books. When I struggled, she tutored. Then, I began teaching myself—a method I’ve used throughout life – and she suggested that my parents take a trip with me to the library. The library was better than ice cream on a hot summer day.
Later, in adulthood, when stressed, I’d dream that I’d woken up on the floor of the history section in the Hempstead Public Library. That history section, the library, and the librarians had become my refuge.
I can’t say that I had one favorite book, but I know that when we moved back to the city, I took the memories of the library with me.
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I had 12 years of nuns. I’m happy you got out early.
It’s like Escape From Alcatraz!
A good teacher can make all the difference.
Good grief! My third grade teacher gave up. I was reading at 11th grade level. She put me in the back of the class to draw pictures so I wouldn’t bother anyone. 🤣
Luckily you missed out on The Sisters of Perpetual Pain!
I’m grateful for that! 🙂
Bless Mrs. Kresge for teaching you to love reading books and stories. And now you are writing them!!!