[pg]

Does anyone have a creative or clever suggestion for getting kids (4th grade) to LIKE reading?

I sent parents a survey asking about their child's enjoyment for reading at home. The results weren't too scary, and they were understandable considering all the competition (sports, video games, cheerleading...); still I would like to try some things to raise the interest a bit more even.

Does anyone have something they've found to work?

Thanks so much!



pg

[smokey2008]

The only "trick" I know is to expose them to great literature and provide a wide variety of reading material to appeal to every interest. You could try asking parents or even your own family for magazine subscriptions (sports illustrated kids, car mags, wherever their interests lie).

[1956BD]

Find stories you love and you think they will love as well, to read aloud to them each day. It needs to be something they look forward to and can't wait to hear the next chapter. My two favorite chapter books are by Bruce Coville. They are titled The Monster's Ring and Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher. They are from a series called the Magic Shop Series, so hopefully they will want to read more. My favorite high interest picture books are by Chris Van Allsburg and are titled The Wretched Stone and The Sweetest Fig. However all his books are intriguing.

Try giving students choices about what they have to read in class. When they have a choice they are more motivated. Remember boys really prefer to read stories that are about boys. They also usually like nonfiction more than fiction. We include a biography of Helen Keller each year by Margaret Davidson that all students seem to appreciate. Also we read two Magic Treehouse books that are research guides and nonfiction. We use Rainforests and Space, but there are many titles to choose from.

My boys also like reader's theater, especially humorous ones like Double Trouble in Walla Walla. This is a great picture book by Andrew Clements which is great for teaching word choice in writing as well.

[1956BD]

reader's theater

[teach2read10]

Thanks for sharing that reader's theater. I may see if the older kids want to do that for the younger ones.