A Plea for Introspective Literacy: Give Kids the Chance to See Themselves in the Words What if I told you that every child you’ve ever met can read—not just in the technical sense, but in a way that changes them? Not in the way schools measure. Not in the way tests define. But in the way that awakens them. Because I’ve seen it happen. I’ve watched kids—who thought they weren’t “good readers,” who had shelves full of unread books—break open because they read something that made them see themselves for the first time. I’ve watched a single book—chosen freely, read silently, no pressure, no tests—turn a passive student into an engaged thinker. I’ve watched a child sit in deep, stunned silence after finishing a book, because for the first time, they realized: "I don’t do anything. I go to school. I go home. I do my chores. I play video games." And then, a shift. A crack in the old way of seeing themselves. "Yeah… I’d like to keep this book." This is introspective literacy. It’s not about skills. It’s not about forcing comprehension. It’s about giving kids the space to read their own minds while reading a book. It’s about showing them that literacy isn’t something they have to achieve—it’s something they already own. But they need the opportunity. 💡 The opportunity to read without fear of failure. 💡 The opportunity to choose books that speak to them. 💡 The opportunity to sit in silence and feel what words do to their minds. And when we give them that? They wake up. They start to recognize their own thoughts. Their own voices. Their own power. This is what I’m asking you to try. Not a program. Not a method. Just a simple shift in belief. Trust that kids already have the ability to read. Give them the space to see themselves in the words. And then watch what happens. Because I promise you—they will wake up. And when they do, everything changes. 💛 Are you willing to try it?
Daphne Russell the Education Evolutionist: Rebuild trust in reading, thinking, and self worth
In this video, we explore the transformative journey of a man who carried 40-year-old school beliefs that kept him from reading comfortably. Through the Enquire, Examine, Empower process, he uncovered the truth behind these beliefs, rewrote his narrative, and began reclaiming his agency.What started with questioning a single belief sparked a domino effect, as he began to wonder what else he had been lied to about. This profound realization unlocked his potential, allowing him to approach reading—and life—with renewed confidence and freedom. This is the story of how confronting one deeply rooted belief transformed his relationship with literacy forever.
I brought special guest Daphne Russell in to talk about how the Caste creates limitations of the mind and that once we break out of it, that's when we can realize our true potential. Many of us have limiting thought beliefs based on our physical reality, but in the quantum, the possibilities are endless. It's only when our minds are stuck in the caste, is when we think we're limited. You're more powerful than you realize! Are you ready to rewire your mind for success? Do you want to learn how to manage your ADHD, depression, and anxiety symptoms? Join our awesome community at Ayana Street Therapy! Here, you'll connect with like-minded individuals, all focused on achieving one major goal. Enjoy empowering videos designed to enhance your mindset, participate in live meetings aimed at reaching your goals, engage in fun activities, and so much more
Books Save Lives' Introspective Literacy approach to reading is built on empathy and understanding. We know that healing literacy trauma is not about a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it’s about meeting each reader where they are, listening to their unique experiences, and guiding them through a tailored journey of rediscovery. By fostering an environment where introspection and self-discovery are encouraged, we help readers unlock the profound insights that literature can offer. Thank you to @azpm for this incredible opportunity!
