Motivation and Engagement
The third strategy focuses on fostering student motivation and engagement in reading. It has been found that there are three key motivations: interest, dedication, and confidence (Morrow & Gambrell, 2019, p. 53). Motivation is more important than ever as students adjust to new ways of learning and completing school work at home. Without the daily interaction with their teachers, some students may begin to feel discouraged, or to lose steam in their literacy pursuits. Research has suggested that "Believing in yourself is more closely linked to achievement than any other motivation throughout school" (Morrow & Gambrell, 2019, p. 53). The confidence students have in their abilities to be successful readers can make all the difference in their actual success.
This is an overwhelming time for all involved in the education of children, including the children themselves. If teachers are able to do nothing else, consistently checking in with and encouraging students is one of the best things to be done. It is no surprise that "high-quality teacher-student relationships are characterized by a student's sense that the teacher understands and cares about him or her as a person" (Morrow & Gambrell, 2019, p. 394). Keep your students motivated by showing them you still care about them how they are doing, in whatever way you can!
Another way to get students who struggle motivated in reading is to continue to offer them a variety of texts and reading materials. While it is hard to not have access to classroom or school libraries, there are a number of online resources that are currently offering free access to books. Websites like Epic! offer students a wide range of books at various reading levels that give students plenty of options to become engaged in reading.
Links for using Epic! and tips for reading with students remotely:
https://www.getepic.com/learn/freeremotestudentaccess/
https://www.getepic.com/learn/reading-aloud-in-a-remote-world/
More on motivation in learning:
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