The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) place a significant emphasis on reading, reading comprehension, and textual support. Engaging reluctant readers with the standards in mind can be a daunting task. At the International Reading Association (IRA) Conference in San Antonio on April 21, 2013, Jane Feber, presented a session specifically about this challenge. Her answer? Make it fun by giving students choices. The following ideas are some of the many suggestions she presented for engaging your reluctant readers while working on the CCSS.
How to Engage Reluctant Readers
1. Create Mini-Books with Response Choices
Nothing is more empowering to students than the opportunity to choose how they will respond to a piece of literature. Feber suggested creating mini-books by folding paper that give students choices for pre-writing, activities they could select from during reading, and options for response after they were finished. This seemingly small tool yields significant results, because it gives students the power to choose.
2. Knock-Knock
Jokes and riddles are wonderful ways to introduce students to the ways in which the English language can be manipulated. Double meanings, rhymes, and how the construction of a joke determines its effectiveness can all be taught using riddles and knock-knock jokes. Feber suggested creating joke books that allow students to write multiple endings. Sharing the jokes with classmates and families not only helps encourage writing, it helps build vocabulary and teaches a love of words.
3. Here’s My Card
What would the lead character in the book your students are reading say about him or herself on a business card? Have students create index cards with the character’s name, occupation, address, and other vital information on one side. On the opposite side, have students write a short blurb about the main character in his/her voice that tells about his/her qualifications, experience, and background.
4. Bumper Stickers
Bumper stickers make students think outside the box. They require precise word selection and placement to ensure maximum effectiveness. Have students create bumper stickers that each of the main characters might have on the back of their vehicles. For example, Cinderella’s bumper sticker might read, “My other car is a pumpkin.” Let students’ creativity shine!
What are some of your favorite ways to encourage reluctant readers while helping them meet the goals of the CCSS? Leave a comment and share them with us below!
Mat says
Are they “reluctant” because they are not interested or because they cannot read due to a learning disability?