Tiffanie Margetts Strategies for Motivating Readers

     The Reading Interest Survey revealed some interesting results. I found most students like to read non-fiction books, but when asked their favorite books, they all listed fiction books.  The most popular books were Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Hunger Games. From those findings I realized I need to promote high quality non-fiction books that cater to the interests of my students. I also found students do not read newspapers or magazines. Those types of texts can be very beneficial to students so I need to provide opportunities in the classroom for my students to read them.

     I currently teach Second Grade. When developing a literature-based lesson plan or unit I take a few factors into consideration. First, I take a look at the Common Core Standards I need to teach and address. I then choose books that I know my students will find interesting and engaging. From listening to their interests, watching for what is popular in my classroom library, and what they are checking out in the school library, I can decide the topics students want to learn more about. When developing a lesson plan or unit plan it is important to find texts that are on or slightly above the reading level of my students so they will be challenged enough. 

     There have been several books that have motivated my students. My class has recently studied Fairy tales. We have been reading the traditional tale and then reading a "fractured fairytale" version. My students really enjoyed reading the modified versions. They were then able to write their own fractured fairy tales based on the traditional fairy tales. I provided several fractured fairy tales for the students to read and they really loved those books. 

    I have found reader's theaters really help students to love to read. My students love to read and perform their different stories. This has helped them with their fluency and expression.