Can you picture this? Every child entering grade school has the same love and interest for reading because someone at home introduces them to books. This is every educators dream! Unfortunately, this is not our reality. One out of every four forth grader could not show a basic understanding of the overall meaning of what they read (Gillet, Temple & Crawford 2008). Thank goodness, we have strategies and interventions in place to help correct these concerns.
According to the survey Understanding the Relationship Between Attitudes Towards Reading and Home Literary Environment, students who were exposed to books or read to at home as a child had a positive attitude towards reading. Students exposed to books as a child tend to have more books in their homes; and they will recommend books to family and friends. As a high school teacher, motivating and encouraging high school students to read can become challenging. Therefore, surveying to determine their likes and dislikes is critical. Using magazines from Scholastic, National Geographic, or Time are informative. Students 17years old enjoy reading magazines, but they are the least likely to check out books (U.S. Department of Ed. National Center for Ed. Statistics, 1984-1994). This survey pointed out that older students begin reading less in school and at home. Experts that continue to create innovative ways to keep high school students engaged and informed are amazing. I also use technology to incorporate reading. I have created/join a blog with tweentribute.com. The students get to read about different books on their grade level and interest level, then make comments about the book. I only tried it once so far; however the students were engaged. I also use http://www.izzit.org/events/index.php and other current events for class discussions. My students have enjoyed reading Speak by Laurie Anderson and Hoop Dreams by Ben Joravsky.
Although students enjoy reading books online, students 5-17 prefers to read books printed on paper (The Kids & Family Reading Report, 2008).
Literature that incorporates issues that young adults can relate is effective. Books that are biologically and psychological appropriate will help the reluctant student (Travers, 2008). Children between the ages of 14-18 enjoy reading literature that includes topics addressing challenges there are faced with; such as substance abuse, crime, violence, dropouts, or sexual behavior (Travers, 2008).
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