Occasionally a reluctant reader can read, but chooses not to read. They are not interested in picking up a book. Reluctant readers never discovered the joy of reading. Perhaps they associate reading with school work, or they are so wired with gadgets reading seems like a boring activity.
How do we motivate these kiddos to pick up a book and read just for the sake of reading a great book? Let's explore a few ideas.
Create a "Joy of Reading" Environment
Let's begin by not attaching assignments to everything our students read. We may need a grade, but our students need to value reading as an enjoyable activity. We want our students to discover the mystery, adventure, suspense, horror, and joy of reading. Give your students choices and opportunities to read for enjoyment.
Reading aloud is the most effective way to introduce a variety of genres to your students. Select high interest books to read aloud. If time is an issue, select "hot" passages from great books to read aloud that will make your students salivate for more. Read both fiction and nonfiction, and most importantly, read dramatically. Your students will tune you out if you sound as if you are droning on. Don't put your students to sleep ~ wake them up!
Add Up the Books
Get your students reading on their own time with this simple strategy. Give each student a reading log to record each finished book. No times, parent signatures, number of pages read, or summaries...just books completed. You are going to have to trust your students (and yes, some students will violate your trust). Each time your student finishes a book they record it on their reading log. You must establish two requirements up front: (1) Students must select books on their independent reading level. (2) Students must record books they read on their own time (assigned readings do not count).
Set a class goal for a number of books the class will read as a whole. Fifty books is a good start. Each Friday record on a visible chart the number of books students completed reading during the week. Divide your class into groups using a random grouping system. Give them ten minutes to take turns telling the group about the book they read. They should share what the book was about and whether they recommend it or not. This is like a mini book talk. Positive peer pressure works wonders on reluctant readers.
Once the class reaches their goal hold a "reading celebration." This event can be anything from a read-in to a guest reader visiting the classroom. You might want to surprise your students with cookies or Popsicles. Keep it simple, but make it important. Set a new, higher goal, and begin again.
Literature Circles
Literature Circles gives students choice. Choice is important for reluctant readers. Real readers don't complete worksheets when they read a book, but the do talk about it. Reading groups are popular events at bookstores and libraries, and even online. Students level of discussion will involve higher order thinking skills. Keep assignments to a minimum. You might consider establishing blogs for your students to write reading responses and comments to other members in their circle. They can create a final project to present their literature circle book to the rest of the class. Give your students choices for the book they read and choices for their final product. Choice alone is a motivator and could easily change your reluctant reader's attitude towards reading.
The Literacy Box recommends these great teaching resources for teaching with literature circles~
Copyright 2009 The Literacy Box
by Lisa Frase
This article is featured on Ezine Articles.
Reprinted by Permission of The Literacy Box.
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