WORLD OF LEARNING: HOW TO MOTIVATE READERS

"Meeting Readers Where They Are: Mapping the intersection of research and practice" School Library Journal 11/1/10

This article in School Library Journal really delivers. Too bad that too many ignore these seven simple and practical ways to get kids reading—ways backed by evidence that shows they are effective.

First, Carol Gordon writes, children need structured opportunities to read what they want to read. In schools, this is the silent reading period. Yet the trend in schools is less and less silent reading.

Second, being able to discuss what you're reading with peers, in real or virtual time, motivates reading (just ask this Goodreads guy). But true sharing of literary experience is rare in schools. More often, kids begrudgingly read required books, answer study guide questions, and participate in teacher-led discussions because they have to.

Third, being able to choose what you read is another motivator. I've been big on the idea of choice for some time. Once school starts, though, kids forgo reading for themselves as they are burdened with reading for the curriculum. They start equating reading solely with duty, not interest.

Fourth, being able to choose what you read actually makes for better reading. In fact, it may be more effective that direct instruction. Most reading instruction uses mandated materials, however.

Fifth—this seems so obvious—having a wide range of reading material readily available leads to reading. Last summer, a study done at the University of Tennesssee indicated that just giving kids some books they chose for vacation led to "a significantly higher level of reading achievement." How often do schools and parents give kids books they want?

Sixth, kids need to read during summer to avoid the well-documented summer slump. Assigning a couple of obligatory novels often results in resentful kids who fake it.

Finally, Gordon comes down hard on the use of point systems. Although it's clear that prodigious readers read because they enjoy books, many schools turn to competitive programs to motivate young readers instead of helping them to find what they want to read.