Emma and Ava’s research study extension project

I was truly surprised on how my attitude towards “reading for fun” changed after this research study. I have never been a huge fan of reading and never really enjoyed it. I went into it expecting to be annoyed to have take time every day to sit down and read. After the first day my perspective shifted quite a bit. After seeing that we would have short readings and actual stories, not a bunch of boring articles, I found myself enjoying the little bit of reading time each day. It gave me time to sit, relax and not really do much but, still feel productive. Even if it was a graphic novel, it didn’t feel like such a big waste of time like sitting on my phone does. I found myself setting out to find a new book I can sit and read in my downtime after the study was over. While I can’t say I have actual done this, it still left a desire in me to set out and read more in my day to day life which I have never had before.

My favorite piece that I read for the study was probably the first day. It was a story about a dead man living. It was my favorite because of the ending. It was very shocking and I did not see it coming. This story was also more along the lines of something I would actually read outside of the study and I think that’s also what made it my favorite. Another one I really liked was the graphic novel. I had never read any graphic novels before and was an interesting experience. While the story itself I didn’t particularly like the pictures kept me engaged. I didn’t expect myself to like this style of reading. It was nice to be, in a way, forced to read it. Without participating in the research study, I would never have branched out and tried reading this style. Now I would be interested in reading more graphic novels with a story I’m more interested in.

I feel that my knowledge of literacy is expanded because of this research study. I have branched out and read a lot more of things I wouldn’t have previously tried. This research study has made me more appreciative of reading and showed me how much I can like it if I put more effort of implementing more of it into my everyday life.