Brilliant breakdown of what actually works with reluctant readers. The point about meeting kids wher ethey are versus where we wish they were is huge. I've seen firsthand how a student's relationship with text shifted once game tutorials counted as legit reading. Framing reading as naturally occuring instead of forced rituals dismantles those "reading is boring" walls kids build.
'Naturally occurring' - a great phrase! Authentic reading experiences that unlock information for the readers - creation of meaning in action. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this :)
You're so right in finding the child's interest. I once taught a child who'd refuse to read until we bought in some Manga. He loved Anime and once we bought some age-appropriare Manga, he was hooked and couldn't stop reading! Even to the point of refusing to go out at break time so he could continue reading! It makes such a huge difference.
How fantastic! This is when we know we have really found that inner motivation isn't it? When they are so immersed in a book that they don't want to be disturbed - even for break time! Thanks for sharing, Kieran :)
This captures something so important: reading for pleasure can’t just be protected time, it has to be an invitation. The focus on reader identity, authenticity, and environment makes this feel deeply aligned with what actually changes habits over time.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Carla. Yes, I keep coming back to this idea of an invitation. We can apply this to ourselves as adults. If we are told we have to read a certain text, at a certain time within a given time frame, already that choice and motivation is compromised. Your point around 'over time' is also so important. We can't be looking for 'quick fixes'.
Brilliant breakdown of what actually works with reluctant readers. The point about meeting kids wher ethey are versus where we wish they were is huge. I've seen firsthand how a student's relationship with text shifted once game tutorials counted as legit reading. Framing reading as naturally occuring instead of forced rituals dismantles those "reading is boring" walls kids build.
'Naturally occurring' - a great phrase! Authentic reading experiences that unlock information for the readers - creation of meaning in action. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this :)
Great post, as usual Laura!
You're so right in finding the child's interest. I once taught a child who'd refuse to read until we bought in some Manga. He loved Anime and once we bought some age-appropriare Manga, he was hooked and couldn't stop reading! Even to the point of refusing to go out at break time so he could continue reading! It makes such a huge difference.
How fantastic! This is when we know we have really found that inner motivation isn't it? When they are so immersed in a book that they don't want to be disturbed - even for break time! Thanks for sharing, Kieran :)
This captures something so important: reading for pleasure can’t just be protected time, it has to be an invitation. The focus on reader identity, authenticity, and environment makes this feel deeply aligned with what actually changes habits over time.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Carla. Yes, I keep coming back to this idea of an invitation. We can apply this to ourselves as adults. If we are told we have to read a certain text, at a certain time within a given time frame, already that choice and motivation is compromised. Your point around 'over time' is also so important. We can't be looking for 'quick fixes'.