Motivating Students to Read
by: Kellie Mossler
Why Motivate?
- Motivate students to read so they will not just be in your class, but be engaged in your class
- We need to motivate students so that they will continue to develop as readers
Ingredients of an Effective Reader
Students need to be able to think:
- Within the Text: Does the student know how to read and understand the text?
- Beyond the Text: Can the student make predictions about future parts of the reading?
- About the Text: Is the student able to make connections to concepts outside of the reading?
Track Progress to Motivate Students
- Using Benchmarks to Monitor Progress
- Analyzing Behaviors to Know How to Intervene
- Keep Data to Track Success
- Allow Students to See Progress
- Use Running Records and Charts to Monitor Progress
Ways to Motivate Students
- Interactive Read-Alouds (whole class)
- Literature Discussion (small groups)
- Guided Reading (small groups)
- Independent Reading (individuals)
Factors that Contribute to Motivation
- Self-Efficacy: Does the student believe that he or she can read?
- Successful Processing: Can the student understand the text? Is their understanding enhanced through explicit classroom instruction?
- Engaging Texts: Are the books available to the student exciting? Do they appeal to the student?
- Appropriate Text Level: Is the text too hard or too easy for the student?
- Shared Understanding Through Talk: Does the student feel comfortable enough to discuss?
- Social Motivation: Does the student feel like a member of a supportive classroom community? Is a student's reading success being celebrated by the class?
Ideas for Future Resources
- Blogs
- Conferences
- Books
- Research Articles
References
Book Photo: http://www.scribendi.com/images/cms/2009-12/How-to-Write-a-Book-Review_photo_FINALIZED.jpg
Reading Chart Photo: http://tunstalltimes.blogspot.com/2013/09/classroom-systems-that-work.html
Information: Pinnell, G.S. & Fountas, I.C. (2009). When readers struggle teaching that works. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.