It’s all about keeping young readers engaged
Print Edition
Few doubt the benefits of reading, but how do we keep young readers engaged?
The library buzzes as eight-year-old boys debate the strengths and weaknesses of tarantulas and scorpions. Their discussion is not a classroom assignment but is prompted by the non-fiction books they chose themselves. The boys gather around the book, reading excerpts aloud and pointing to illustrations to support their ideas. Each reader borrows several books from the series for weekend reading.
Provide choice
These boys are reading simply because they want to, with no obligation to finish the book and no teacher-designated questions to answer. Free voluntary reading, as coined by researcher and reading expert Stephen Krashen, results in broader vocabulary, improved reading comprehension, and better grammatical development than skill levels developed solely through direct instruction.
Relieve the pressure
Parents and educators often gear children to engage with increasingly difficult material. Author and reading proponent Neil Griffiths suggests an alternative to this climb-the-ladder approach to reading: “For students to read difficult texts takes considerable effort and can be draining. Think of progress in reading like a stroll through the woods in which we allow young readers time to stop because they found a lovely place. Once they’ve had a rest, they’ll be ready to work at it again.” When children repeatedly choose books below their reading levels, adult recommendations are in order; however, ultimately adults should honor children’s prerogatives to select their own reading material.
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