Lifetime Reading Experience Essay

Interviewing retired educator, Art Huinker, about his lifetime reading experiences was a very enlightening journey that took us back to the late 1930’s when reading to a child was not as much of a priority for parents as it is today, nor were books as accessible in the home setting, like they are now. As a youngster growing up on a farm in rural Festina, Iowa, Huinker states, “We had a newspaper in the house and a farm journal, but outside of that we did not have any books available for leisure reading.” Moreover, the role of reading in his early life was primarily connected to his academic world where he advanced through the ranks, and eventually achieved a four-year degree at Loras College, while passionately pursuing a career in professional baseball. After marrying Ann, his high school sweetheart, and starting a family of their own, Huinker went on to achieve his dream of pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals and in later years, wrote about his success in the book, “Small Man, Big Heart.” At the end of his sports career Huinker transitioned to a professional career in education that ended as a history professor at Loras College in …show more content…
Studies have shown how a child’s attitude towards reading is greatly influenced by parents who take the time to show an interest in their reading abilities. The role of reading in society has changed for the better, but the challenge of kids who aren’t provided a nurturing home environment still exists. These children are hurting academically, and more needs to be done by society to help these kids obtain strong literacy skills, so they have a chance to succeed in