Have you ever encountered a child disinterested in or discouraged from reading?
Were you ever a person that was disinterested or discouraged?
There’s a solution—a key.
The ultimate to key to relieving these all-too-common problems is to provide the person with a book they actually want to read.
Encouragers must keep in mind that any form of literacy should be encouraged, especially for hesitant readers. Non-fiction books, newspapers, magazines, even comic books can hook students on reading.
If a child tends to be off-task during reading times, make an effort to pin-point the reason for such behavior. Does he or she really just have trouble focusing on the task at hand, or are they simply discouraged? If there is a chapter book in front of this reader, consider replacing it with an alternative that may adhere to their interests more.
In today’s society, there is a general stigma against picture books as we develop academically. Parents and educators often push children away from them as they age in order to set value on their maturity. “Picture books are for early readers.”
False.
In fact, picture books are great for all ages! They are often that key, or solution, that opens the door of opportunities and enthusiasm for the reader. Whether it be picture books, magazines,or even instruction manuals, let the child explore.
Encourage exploration early.
Picture books are great. I remember being very young and just devouring informational picture books at the library. While reading text alone is good, text with pictures is a totally different yet still valuable experience. To see a picture accompanied by text requires more than just base reading. You see the picture, make connections to the text, and acquire new meaning.
ReplyDeletePushing books on students that they do not want to read will truly get you nowhere. The answer as you stated is so simple: find books that children want to read.
Exploration is huge with the age group that we will encounter! It is wonderful that you are seeking to understand what it is that the children want to do. I think that it would be wonderful to truly understand what it is that they are interested in. I think that we will get much farther in the classroom when children are excited about what we are doing!
ReplyDeleteChildren won't learn if they are not interesting in the topic or book being discussed. To encourage a love of reading, children should be able to make their own decisions about the books they read. There are so many books that children can choose from in any number of interest areas. I think it is great that you encourage children to explore literature!
ReplyDeleteYour post brings up a couple of really good points. The last point you brought up about picture books being for older people as well very good. Picture books only being for young children is a common misconception and because of this it is rare for teachers in older grades to use these books. These would be great for students to get an understanding on reading comprehension. One possible activity a teacher could do is have their students write their interpretation on what is going on in a picture book.
ReplyDeleteExploration is absolutely the key to children discovering what they like and dislike. We can allow children to do this dicovery by offering them books, books, and more books of all different varieties. Children will find books that relate to their interests outside of reading. Building on the interests that children find in their daily lives with books will create in them a love for reading.
ReplyDelete