Make Reading Fun! Check Out 4 Exciting Approaches To Reading

Reading can be a dreadful activity for some and an enjoyable activity for others. 

 

Whether the text is a novel, a poem, or an informative work, each student will fall into one of those two categories.  Sometimes all it takes to turn a reluctant and/or struggling reader into an excited and/or fluent one is the right approach to reading for that student.

Whole-class read-aloud with student readers

When conducting a whole-class read-aloud, it is beneficial for you, the teacher, to be the first reader.  You will model a variety of elements such as pronunciation, cadence, volume, and expression.

 

After reading an appropriate length of the text, whether it be one paragraph or several pages, stop to engage the students by posing questions.  The questions can be direct or indirect and can even be used for pair-and-share discussions.

 

Once you are satisfied with this first round of reflections on the text, ask for student volunteers to read.  Now that they’ve heard you read and understand the pattern of “read then discuss,” students will be eager to read.

 

Plus, some kids view reading aloud as an opportunity to put themselves in the spotlight since everyone else in the classroom is listening to them – nice ego boost for those who crave attention.  Those students who are a bit more reserved might not want to read aloud, but they can still participate in the conversation post-reading the passage. 

 

Pre-recorded reading / audio book

A variation on the whole-class reading is to incorporate a pre-recorded reading, such as an audio book.  Some kids, regardless of age, enjoy having someone else read to them like it is “story time.”    

 

Playing an audio book makes the students happy and grants you the opportunity to more closely observe your kids during the reading.  You will notice each student’s demeanor and mannerisms to determine who is truly engaged and who is about to begin snoring.      

 

Similar to you, the teacher leading a read-aloud, the reader on the audio book exposes students to effective expression, volume, cadence, and pronunciation.  You can rest assured that your students are auditorily absorbing the proper dictation of the English language, which affords you valuable time. 

 

You will still pause the audio book at pre-determined intervals, such as at the end of a particular passage you would like to highlight.  Use the time that the audio book plays to not only observe your students but to thoroughly think about the text and its points that should be examined and analyzed. 

 

Small-group read-aloud

Another approach to reading, though it requires a bit of planning, is the small-group read-aloud. 

 

This reading activity not only works on an abundance of skills associated with reading but also fosters cooperation amongst peers. 

 

Prior to that day’s class, you will plan the groups of students who will be working together.  Also, be sure to prepare an activity or discussion questions on a range of topics from the text, such as recalling information, analyzing events, and determining meanings of unfamiliar words. 

 

A good rule for pairs and groups, when possible, is to match up struggling students with excelling students so that they can help one another in the small group setting. 

 

Students will read the text aloud within their groups.  The beauty of this approach is that kids who may not normally feel comfortable reading for the entire class will feel confident reading for a group of say three of five peers. 

 

After completing the reading, members of each group must cooperatively work to complete the assigned task, whether it be an activity or discussion questions. 

 

While the reading and the tasks are taking place, you will purposefully wander to each group, listening and observing how each group and each individual is functioning.  You will use your discretion to jump in, as needed, to clarify information, to propose new ways of looking at the material, and to guide students who may be off track. 

 

Independent reading

There are two effective ways to use independent reading: one way is by reading individually from the text that is being explored by the entire class, while a second way is by using what is called an “independent reading book.” 

 

When using a whole-class text that is read in some form of a read-aloud, there is a chance that some students truly do not understand what is happening in the text, despite truly following along, while some kids might not care enough to pay attention. 

 

To determine which students can comprehend and even analyze the text, and which students do not understand it, assign your students a portion of the text to read individually and silently, in class.  Provide questions at varying levels of complexity, to be answered during that class period. 

 

Whether this assignment is graded or purely for your review, it will be useful in guiding your instruction moving forward. 

 

Another method of independent reading is the incorporation of “choice books” or “independent reading books.”  As literacy is a valuable skill that applies to all areas of academia, kids should be reading as much and as often as possible. 

 

Require that each student bring a “choice book” to class every day.  There can either be time carved out each week for independent reading in which students will answer questions that are applicable to any text, or it can be a class rule that when a student finishes his/her work early, he/she must read that “choice book.” 

 

Allowing for a student to select a book of interest can turn a disinterested and struggling reader into an enthusiastic and fluent one.  Reading should be embraced as much as humanly possible each day, and incorporating “independent reading books” is an effective way to do so. 

 

What’s the best approach?

There is no definitive answer to that question.  But, in all likelihood, a combination of some or all of the mentioned approaches will yield desired literacy results from your students.

 

As with many aspects of teaching, find what works for you and what works for your students.  Try all avenues to cultivate necessary reading skills, and as a bonus, to create book worms!  😊

Leave a question, comment, or suggestion below, in the Comments Section!    

 

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Peace.  Love.  Reading & Writing.

 

💗 Miss M