Learners need to appreciate reading as a life skill that can be used for functional and recreational purposes. Every opportunity must be undertaken to ensure that learners are engaged in developing reading competencies. These competencies are required throughout learning and in all subject areas. When a learner can read, progress is inevitable and ensured.
The classroom environment has to be structured in a manner so that reading is supported and practiced regularly. Learners must be given independent reading time to explore print and develop an interest in different genres. Material supporting themes should be included, introduced and displayed prominently so that students will select the material to satisfy their curiosity.
One textbook does not suit all students since the recommended text may cater to only the average or high achieving student. Students can be placed in homogeneous groups with the appropriate text. Topics will still be addressed; however the content will be more suited to the students’ abilities. Also encourage collaboration among peers as students usually learn well from each other. Word attack skills and comprehension can also be done effectively while using these texts.
Scaffolding instruction allows students to discover information through reading. Allow the students to read through the text to discover material to be learned. Strategies such as SQ3R, DRA, DRTA can make instruction more enriching for the students.
The teacher as a model reader can also build enthusiasm in students. Book clubs, read a thons, Literature Circles, and book reviews help to foster an interest in reading among students. Extrinsic motivation given must promote reading efforts. Have students set reading goals and encourage them to view reading as a challenge that can be over come. It is important for students to know that perseverance is key to success.
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Motivating........hmm.... It's a big call. What acts as a motivator for one child is going to be something that another turns their nose up at, and there is no crystal ball that will tell us what those motivators are. It really is just a game of trial and error and acknowledgement that what is going to work today will fall flat on the floor tomorrow, so as reading specialists we must have a backup plan.
ReplyDeleteOne such way we can motivate students is through the use of comic books. The value of these are not to be underestimated, especially for struggling readers. Children still have to use a wide range of decoding strategies in order to understand and comprehend the story.