Jacqueline Woodson: What reading slowly taught me about writing

The video explores the enduring power of storytelling, beginning with the tale of the Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde. The speaker reflects on childhood reading experiences, emphasizing the importance of savoring stories. The narrative delves into how stories have historically connected people, even as technology evolves. It highlights the cultural and historical significance of storytelling, particularly for marginalized communities. The speaker concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of stories and their role in connecting us to our past and each other.

What was the main reason the narrator read slowly as a child?

• To impress their teacher

• To savor and deeply understand the stories

• To avoid watching television

• To finish books quickly

What is the underlying message of the Selfish Giant story?

• The importance of keeping gardens private

• The value of empathy and understanding

• The need for strict rules

• The joy of playing in the snow

How did the narrator's teacher in the 1970s encourage reading?

• By pushing students to read faster and above grade level

• By discouraging reading altogether

• By allowing students to use their fingers while reading

• By giving students more television time

What does the term 'fictive dream' refer to according to John Gardner?

• A dream about fiction

• The immersive experience of being inside a story

• A nightmare about reading

• A fictional character's dream

What role did storytelling play in ancient civilizations?

• It was a method to teach mathematics

• It was a form of entertainment only

• It was used to share ideas, information, and memory

• It was a way to avoid work

How has technology affected the way we engage with stories?

• It has pushed stories out of the narrative

• It has had no impact on stories

• It has made stories obsolete

• It has made stories more popular

What is the narrator's perspective on reading in the age of technology?

• Reading should be replaced by audio books

• Reading is no longer necessary

• Reading slowly is important to respect the author's work

• Reading should be fast to keep up with technology

Why does the narrator emphasize the importance of reading slowly?

• To impress others

• To finish books quickly

• To avoid distractions

• To deeply engage with and understand the narrative

What was the significance of storytelling for the narrator's ancestors?

• It was a way to pass time

• It was a method to preserve culture and history

• It was used to teach mathematics

• It was a form of punishment

How did the narrator's family history influence their view on storytelling?

• It made them dislike stories

• It showed them the power of stories in preserving history

• It had no influence

• It made them prefer movies over books