All throughout the school day, children have decisions made for them. They are told what subject they are learning and when and what special they attend on which day. Additionally, they are told how content has to be learned, such as different math formulas and science labs. While all of this has to be in order to optimize learning, children are often not permitted to make decisions for themselves throughout the day. Therefore, it is more important than ever to focus on teaching children to read for pleasure. If they had just a little bit of time each week to read books they want, students can turn into lifelong readers.
Importance of Reading for Pleasure
Reading content-based articles is great. However, it is not the only reading that students should be doing. There should always be an emphasis on reading for pleasure due to the impact it makes on students.
First, reading takes students to places they can’t actually go to. Whether it is a magical forest or a tropical paradise, reading allows students to visualize places when they remain at home. Second, reading helps expand student vocabulary. Whenever books are read, students are exposed to more words, which will also help them become stronger at using context clues for meanings. Third, reading helps students strengthen memory and comprehension skills. Whether students talk about the book or read the sequel, they are practicing essential skills of recalling details. Fourth, reading helps students develop self-esteem. Students will have to read so much throughout school and life. However, when reading is a struggle, students are often embarrassed to work on assignments together. Thus, strong reading improves self-esteem. Teaching students to read for pleasure can turn even the most reluctant readers into lifelong readers!
Encouraging Students to Read
Many students will not know the pleasure behind reading books they select. Thus, reading for pleasure needs to be encouraged and supported in the classroom. In order to do this, try different strategies in order to inspire all students.
- Bookworm Bookmarks: Often, students do not need a grand gesture to feel encouraged. Something as simple as these FREE bookmarks can be all that is needed. As an extra incentive, students can even select their favorite color or animal. If allowed, you can even send home a small bag of gummy worms!
- Reading Goals: Many students love to work towards something. Therefore, each student can set a goal with the teacher. For instance, maybe the goal is how many independent books the child reads. Or, a reading calendar where students color in a spot to represent each night they read at home.
- Creative Activities: Sometimes, there are really reluctant readers who need encouragement in a different way. Thus, build relationships with students to find out what they like. Then, bring this information into reading time. For example, reading for pleasure may begin with cooking books! The main focus is on building a passion for students to read something they like.
- Self-Selection: In order for students to want to read for pleasure, they must have an interest in reading. To build this, allow students to select their own books to read. They are told what to read for content purposes, so be flexible for independent reading.
- End-of-the-Year Gift: In order to show students how proud you are, think about a small end-of-the-year gift. For example, it can be the Bookworm Bookmarks or even a small book. There are often $1 specials on Scholastic in order to reduce the cost.
Reading for pleasure is such an important skill to develop. Some students will naturally love to read. However, other students will need more incentives or encouragement. No matter where your students are at, try some of the creative tips above in order to ensure all students become lifelong readers!
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