In reading “I Just like Being Good at it” and “What Motivates Students to Read?” I found many similarities between the two texts. I feel as though both pieces are about the attitude of our students. If our students have no interest in the reading or writing that we are doing, they won’t be as successful in it. If a subject comes hard to a student, there is also a lack of interest.
Teachers really need to hone in on the interests of their students. Interests may vary. However, when literacy is presented in a topic of interest, it will come easy to our students. Teachers have to accommodate their learners and provide differentiated instruction. We also need to give our students choice. To me that was essential in both readings. When students have a choice they are more motivated to participate in reading, writing, and discussion. Students also need to interact with their peers. When students interact with their peers they are able to express their beliefs and feelings. They are able to share their ideas and interests.
As teachers we need to make sure that our students are actively engaged and interested in literacy activities. Giving students a choice, interaction with their peers, and allowing them to express their interests will result in a positive attitude about reading and writing. Students will want to read and write when it is centered around them.
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Yes, I totally agreee. When students are given a topic that they are interested in it will come much easier. I think this goes for reading as well. Students who are reluctant to read books that their teachers choose for them are more likely to read books that they are interested in. Students need choice!
ReplyDeleteThis blog reminded me of when I was student teaching because that it was a moment when I realized how important it was to get to know your students. There was one boy, a fifth grader, who hated to read. My cooperating teacher said she was having a lot of trouble with him because he refused to read independently. One day I was talking to him a little bit and found out that he liked fish. I found some fishing magazines at my sisters house because her husband loves to fish. I brought some the magazines in and he was extremely excited that he got to read them. He had a little bit of trouble, but he was more than willing to find help from a teacher because hew as interested in the articles. That is something I will never forget and will always remind myself when teaching!
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