Engaging Student in Reading

It's always easy to engage kids that love to read, but I have used these strategies for both interested readers and non-interested readers in 1st grade over the last 5+ years.   I think choice is important.  However, there are not always the best books available at all levels especially emergent readers.  I always try to ask them a few things that they like or are interested in and then find books that match those interests for them.  When I find these, especially if found on Reading A-Z (printable) I will also send home books to practice at home and these are books they can keep.  When they browse the book bins (based on level)  they are able to choose the books that go in to their box.  Typically I give them a card/bin to pick from (level based).  They can swap their books often, or keep them for as long as they'd like.

Using i-Pads has helped a lot.  I had some struggling readers last year that I saw every day, but reading independently the remainder of the time was difficult, so they read on the i-pad.  We utilize RAZ-kids reading program.  Therefore, I can choose the level of their books that they can access.  They can choose what books to read, or have books read to them.  This provided a lot of high engagement during silent reading over the past few years.

Partner reading also worked well.  I think it's an incentive to be able to work with a partner.  We would do this for at least 15 minutes of the reading block.

I think continuous exposure to text and read aloud is important.  Showing them your favorite books and having them see you read helps them.  Also, showing that you are excited about reading and what you can take away from a book might motivate them to value reading, despite what family values may be.  If they learn that reading can help you learn, or take you places, they may eventually buy in. However, I am in the primary grades, but I imagine this must be much more difficult for a teacher of upper elementary or middle school to engage low or reluctant readers.