By: Alexis Gomez
Getting students to read for fun is a task educators approach with varying methods. Many teachers have long relied on independent reading time to give students a chance to read at their own pace and build reading stamina. However, this approach has its limitations. According to Forbes, many teachers have been trained to believe that the only way kids will learn to enjoy reading is by choosing books that have been determined to be at their reading level and reading them independently. To the surprise of some educators, many students don’t enjoy this time or find it particularly productive.
One approach that seems promising in building reading enjoyment is using class time to read aloud together. Researchers worked with a sample of students who were average or poor readers and had teachers read aloud “two whole challenging novels at a faster pace than usual.” After 12 weeks, students had made about 8 months of progress on average and the poor readers had made 16 months of progress. More significantly, however, the students actually enjoyed the experience. They were eager to keep the story going even after read-aloud time was over.
Another factor that can encourage students to read for fun is allowing them to choose the books that they read. Books that are relevant and popular boost reading interest and reading stamina. Some popular book series among young readers include Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, Captain Underpants, and Dog Man. As a Maryland second grade teacher, Jackie Chaney, explains, “when students are able to select books that they want to read, that is half the battle in actually getting them to read.”
Chaney’s methods and activities with her second graders have shown to increase their love of reading. In an interview with Education Week, Chaney explains how during reading time in class, she lets her students get comfy pillows or read with a friend on a floor spot. She finds that when she allows students to read together, there is more willingness and excitement to read.
When the weather is cold or rainy, Chaney and her students have what she calls “Flashlight Friday.” She pulls the blinds shut and reads with her students by flashlight. Occasionally, she’ll put on a YouTube fireplace video to simulate the experience of reading together by the fire. Her students love this activity and are eager to keep reading together!
Experimenting with more read-aloud time in class can help keep students engaged and boost their reading enjoyment. Ensuring students’ reading comprehension and development is the goal of every educator, but promoting a genuine love of reading within students is an objective that can reap even greater benefits long-term.
UCR University Extension’s Methods for Teaching Reading course provides educators with the necessary tools to teach fundamental reading skills. Combining these essential skills with fun and interactive activities can make all the difference in boosting students’ love of reading and contributing to their overall growth.