6 Ways to Bring Joy to Every Reading Lesson
December 2, 2024
As we begin the holiday season, I (like everyone else) am thinking about selecting the just right gifts for the people who bring such joy to my life. At the top of my list, of course, are books! I can’t think of a better gift than finding a book that will truly speak to the person to whom I am giving it.
As a teacher I am always thinking about what we can do every day to make sure that not only can our kids read but also that they like to read. And yes, I believe it’s important that kids like reading because simply put, if they don’t like to read, they won’t. And that means they will miss out on so much learning, so many exciting new opportunities, and the sheer pleasure of losing oneself in a book.
As I interact with students, my two daughters and their friends, and other young people I meet I need to actively remember that I teach kids to like to read at the same time as I teach them how to read. Here are a few ways I hope to accomplish this goal throughout the upcoming months and years.
Model My Love of Reading. Just like I would demonstrate a comprehension strategy, or think aloud, or explain how to decode a word, I also need to show and talk about how and why I like to read. How reading has improved my life, what I have learned that I wouldn’t know otherwise, when reading has saved me from missing out on fun, and how in general reading enriches my life daily.
Think Beyond the Written Word. Most of the time we have to assign reading that meets standards, addresses learning objectives, and teaches essential content. But I would encourage that for at least 10 to 15 minutes every day we let kids choose what they would like to read. They can read on their own, listen to an audiobook or podcast, read aloud with a friend, read the subtitles to a video, tell a traditional oral story, read the words to a favorite song. By expanding our definition of reading, we can help students realize that reading is more than just words on a page.
Provide a Safe Environment and Celebrate Progress. Most students can learn to read at grade level given the right support, explicit instruction, and enough time. But students who have struggled with reading may lack confidence in their abilities and be reluctant to try, especially in front of classmates, when they feel they have failed before. Providing students with a safe environment in which to try, offering lots of positive feedback, and celebrating genuine progress helps students know that we believe they can and will succeed.
Play to Students’ Experiences and Interests. Although all teachers have texts they must include, especially those with reading programs or specific curriculum guidelines, don’t be afraid to substitute a text that will accomplish the lesson objectives but be of greater relevance or interest to your students. All teachers know that when students are engaged, they learn more. When they are disengaged, they check out. And of course if you find a text in your reading program is culturally insensitive or historically inaccurate, don’t use it.
Make it Fun. I’ve always thought learning for learning’s sake is fun. But not everyone feels the same! I’m not saying that we have to be entertainers when we teach, just that as we are planning and preparing our lessons, we can actively think about what cool facts might resonate with kids, what lesson type might best bring the content to life, and how best to get students to participate in every lesson. Students who are intrigued, engaged, or curious are kids who are having fun while learning.
Share a Book. Although I do realize that a book is not every child or teen’s idea of a great gift, I plan to buy a book for every on my list. Because I believe that every kid will enjoy a book that entertains and intrigues. Maybe it’s a book of jokes, or a new graphic novel, the latest vampire chronicle, a dramatic audio reading, a read aloud to share (think about this for older kids and teens), a book of captioned photos. With all the possibilities, there is a book out there for every kid on your list. This month, watch out on social media as I share favorites—from cookbooks to graphic novels, fiction to nonfiction, and books for infants through grown-ups.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season. Happy Reading!