Today I received my second Stitch Fix box. I've heard successful stories from friends and finally decided this winter it might be fun while I waited for spring to arrive to give it a try. Today I received five items. I didn't like the dress. The first top was okay. The second top I did like very much. The jeans were so soft but I had similar ones. The denim jacket was soft and a bit trendy.
I'm intrigued by the whole process. I filled out a survey to help my stylist. We've never met or talked in person and I wonder can they really get all five pieces right for me if we haven't talked in person. I wonder if they can really get all five pieces right if they've never seen me in person. There's a descent discount if you purchase all five items. Both months I've just purchased one because I didn't love it all. I signed up not knowing if I'd do a second month. Earlier tonight I thought it would be my last. After trying on different combinations I realized this might be a bit of a game. I think I'd name it - Can my stylist get it right?
Then I realized it's a bit like matching readers to books. I try to get to know my readers and luckily for me I do meet my students in person. I do a reading survey. I observe my students. I confer with my students. I think I select great books for them individually and in a guided reading group. However, it doesn't always match up. What I think is just right for them might not be what they feel is just right. This is a little bit like my Stitch Fix selections so far.
I find this time of year so intriguing as a reading teacher in second grade. The students are truly transitional readers. They are not just reading the words in books. They surprise me constantly with a series or characters they fall in love with. They surprise me when a genre becomes a focus. They have stronger reader identities which is helping them make independent reading selections that are just right for them. That just right isn't always what I think is just right and maybe my Stitch Fix shopper is up against some of the same things. Maybe I can only pick what's just right for me.
Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating this writing community.
Oh, but you have a slight advantage over your Stitch Fix shopper in that you know your readers in person and can watch them in situ, but I like your comparisons. I'll bet your success rates are higher than 1 out of 5 too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great analogy! It is so true that we work so hard to suggest books, to consider personalities and what we think... and sometimes it doesn't work, but sometimes it's magical! **And I am dying to try Stitch Fix!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful reflection! Book matchmaking is one of my favorite parts of my job, but it can be tricky, as you point out. Sometimes the book I thought was going to be a perfect match for a student doesn't connect with them for some reason.
ReplyDeleteInteresting comparison of Stitch Fix and matching books to readers. I think you are right, you can only truly pick out what is right for you, but sometimes it's nice to have an alternate viewpoint on a book or even an outfit.
ReplyDeleteI never could get past the survey -- too many questions - I am NOT that thoughtful about my dress!!! Love the analogy. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete