7 Ways to Empower Young Readers

When I first started teaching, I didn't enjoy teaching reading. I taught from the textbook because that's what I was told to do.  And in those days, there wasn't this fabulous online community of teachers sharing the best ways to teach.  It wasn't until I began to teach reading with quality literature and giving students more choice that it turned that enjoyment around!  I think it's crucial more than ever to give students a positive association with reading. Here are 7 ways you can make reading more impactful in your classroom.

7 Ways to Empower Young Readers

7. Give students positive reading experiences.

We try to do something special at least once a month to celebrate reading.  Often it's the simple act of Flashlight Friday in which we read our books by flashlight.  Sometimes it's a little snack to eat while reading or reading with blankets.  When the weather's nice we go outside to read.  It's just adding the little things that make reading fun!

6.  Use the power of read-alouds.

I read aloud to my kids daily!  It's one of the non-negotiables in our classroom.  I try to choose read alouds that either relate to what we're learning about in a different subject or the season or even in their lives.  I also choose read alouds that I know they might not choose independently.

5.  Model reading

Not only should you model reading for expression and fluency.  You should also model your thinking while reading.  It's so powerful for students to see the process of thinking about what you're reading.

4. Expose students to LOTS of books.

Read alouds help with this, but one way I expose students to lots of books is through Scholastic Book Clubs. I send the flyers home every month for students to purchase.  But I also get so many books for free with the points.  I always make a big deal when the new books arrive and show all the new classroom books to the kids.  We sometimes have a raffle to see who gets to read the books first! It goes back to #8 and making those positive reading experiences.

3. Read just to read! No assessments needed

Yes, as teachers we must make sure students held accountable for their reading.  We need to know their reading level so we can teach them accordingly.  BUT that doesn't have to be ALL. THE. TIME.  Allow your students to read just because!  All of my students independent reading is chosen by them.  I don't restrict them to a certain level or type of book.  We only do leveled reading in our small group instruction.

2. Talk About Reading! Book clubs, literature circles, book chats, book reviews

When you find out someone is reading the same book as you, what's the first thing you do?  You talk about it!  Give your students opportunities to talk about the books their reading.  Teach them how to talk about books, you'd be amazed at what they can do!

1. If you want your students to love reading, you have to let them read what they love.

How many books did you really enjoy that you were assigned to read when you were in school?  My guess is not many if at all.  So of course it's the same way for our students.  Give them the choice to choose what they want to read.  They'll be more likely to keep reading!

How do you create a love for reading in your classroom?