Comments on: Motivating Reluctant Readers

By: Elizabeth Fisher

Elizabeth Fisher — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:48:34 +0000

I can’t say it enough, it is so important that we take the time to help kids enjoy reading. I was never taught how to read, really read. Fluency was not a problem for me, but I didn’t know you had to do something while you read, like visualize, or make connections. I loved books…the smell, the feel…I just didn’t know what treasures they held…what treasures I held. I was one of those who learned to read on her own and it makes me sad because of what I missed out on in school. I vowed never to let one of my students miss out on reading. That is my mission still. I love reading and, even to this day, that makes my mom cry when she hears me say that.

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:08:45 +0000

You make a great point, Rob. I wonder if it’s possible to help kids love reading if we don’t love it ourselves? I’m not sure I know the answer to that one, but your comment has me thinking about it. And I agree–when there is energy and enthusiasm for what we’re reading, I think kids connect to it and comprehend it in deeper ways. Thank you so much for stopping by!

By: Rob Currin

Rob Currin — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:59:13 +0000

I believe that I have found a connection between the pieces that I am the most passionate about and the pieces that my students seem to enjoy the most. Perhaps they can sense my pure love and enthusiasm for certain pieces and then feel that it is alright to jump on board. (Or I am just so overjoyed to be teaching what I love that my blinders are on.) I don’t know at this stage in the game; however, I think that it is far more important to model a true passion for literature than to drill the seven elements. I guess this all depends on what the curriculum allows us to teach. Before we worry about teaching them how to drive, we must first help our students find the keys.