How to let children be motivated in reading and writing

Reading is not easy thing to do for young children. They cannot be attracted by words document without any interesting pictures, so one of our jobs is to discuss a way to motivate children to want to read, and provide ideas that help children to be engaged in books. According to Literacy Development I the Early Years: Helping Children Read and Write by Lesley Mandel Morrow, “… without the motivation or desire to read, it is unlikely that a child will learn to read well. Children need to know why they are learning to read and the benefits they will have in later life as a result of being able to read.” (P320)

            On page 320, the author provides several techniques for motivating reading and writing. This list of techniques can be used to develop and help children’s intrinsic motivation. There are a total of 10 different techniques with detailed explanation. Such as make children in a literacy-rich environment that many choices of literacy materials are supplied; model literacy behaviors; provide chances for children which allow them to participate in collaborative and independent reading and writing; reading in a comfortable environment, and so on. My top three ideas that could be used in my class are:

First one is immersing children in a literacy-rich environment, with choices of literacy materials that are challenging but achievable; the second one is reading with children in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere; the third one is using technology as a source of motivation in reading and writing.

Those three techniques are truly useful in my class. In my opinion, the more reading materials are supplied; children have more chances on reading and falling into it. Children will find what they really like and they know what types of books they need, then they will find out and go independent reading or getting into a group to discuss. Second, to build a comfortable area for children to read is a part of teacher’s job. A messy and dirty reading section cannot make children be interested in reading and writing. So some teachers might think: How can I engage my students on reading and writing? Therefore, if teacher can provides a clean and ordered bookshelves or a comfortable environment to them, children will be happily to read at least. By checking the labels of books which are divided by types, levels, and subjects, children can easily find what they need that use these material to help them in studying and be satisfied.

The last thing is using technology to help children in reading and writing. I went to Burris Laboratory School and saw in the classroom, the iPads have became main studying materials which assist teacher to develop children’s reading: children usually use iPads to read some short texts which are relevant with their textbooks. Besides, the teacher will assign some questions to let students to answer. Furthermore, teacher can play some interesting videos and pictures to children: on the one hand, it is used for introducing the class content clearly; on the other hand, it is a good way to drive students be excited and more interested on the learning subjects.

Also, I found some good resources that can be used in class for motivating children on reading and writing:

·      Motivating Students to Read and Write in All Disciplines

·      5 ways to Motivate Young Writers and Readers

·      Motivating Children to Read and Write: Using Informal Learning Environments as Contexts for Literacy Instruction

I suggest my friends to pay attention on first article, the author give nice detailed content to explain and he/she also lists six strategies that can practice children or young readers’ reading and writing.