Motivation And Differentiated Reading
1. Many students are reluctant to read for a wide range of reasons, and this can cause them to struggle not just in reading class, but across subjects. Research and discuss two strategies you could employ to motivate and engage reluctant readers. Include discussion of the age group to which the strategy best applies and provide a rationale why this could be effective in the classroom. Include links to relevant supporting resources.
2. Think about how motivating students in Grades K-1 differs from other grade levels. Include discussion about the purpose of reading in Grades K-1 as well as what the grade level standards say about the role of the teacher and the types of activities that are appropriate for K-1 students. Include a specific K-1 state standard and discuss two specific motivational strategies you think would be particularly effective with K-1 students. Justify your selections with specific reasons, facts, and examples.
Sample Solution
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Purpose of reading. In K-1, the purpose of reading is to develop foundational skills, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Students are also learning about the different purposes of reading, such as for enjoyment, information, and to learn new things.
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Role of the teacher. The teacher plays a critical role in motivating students in K-1. They need to create a positive and engaging learning environment, and they need to provide explicit instruction and support. The teacher should also be aware of the individual needs of each student and tailor their instruction accordingly.
Full Answer Section
- Types of activities. The activities that are appropriate for K-1 students should be engaging and hands-on. They should also be designed to build on the students' prior knowledge and experiences. Some examples of activities that are appropriate for K-1 students include:
- Shared reading: The teacher reads aloud to the students, and the students follow along.
- Choral reading: The students read aloud together.
- Partner reading: The students read aloud to each other.
- Guided reading: The teacher provides small group instruction to students who are at the same reading level.
- Independent reading: The students read books on their own.
- Writing: The students write about what they have read.
- Art: The students create art projects that are inspired by what they have read.
- Drama: The students act out stories that they have read.
- Specific K-1 state standard. Here is a specific K-1 state standard for reading:
- ELA-Literacy.RF.K.3
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic features of print, including the front cover, back cover, title, author, and illustrator.
- Two specific motivational strategies. Here are two specific motivational strategies that I think would be particularly effective with K-1 students:
- Make reading fun and engaging. This could involve using games, songs, and activities to make reading more enjoyable. It could also involve choosing books that are interesting and relevant to the students' interests.
- Praise and encouragement. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator for young children. When students are praised for their reading efforts, they are more likely to continue reading.
- Let students choose their own books. When students have a choice in what they read, they are more likely to be interested and engaged.
- Make reading a social activity. Reading aloud to students, or having them read aloud to each other, can help to make reading more enjoyable.
- Provide opportunities for students to read independently. Independent reading time gives students the chance to practice their reading skills and explore their own interests.