Success Story: Creating Positive Attitudes Toward Reading

I have a large group of at-risk readers that are in fourth grade but reading on a second grade level. By this time they have built up serious negative attitudes towards reading. They shy away from reading aloud, sharing ideas, and creative writing. Some of them don’t have listening skills and do have underdeveloped thinking skills. I’ve had to try many innovative ideas to get them to keep trying.

I decided on a number of measures.

First I asked for volunteers to come in once a week to read and discuss books. A lovely retired couple very faithfully came in, allowing us to split the larger group into four smaller groups. Not only did the kids get to have more minutes to read aloud, but the students and adults got to share ideas and reactions and personal experiences. Everyone learned from the experience.

Next, I thought we should involve technology in the reading instruction. To foster listening skills I had the students draw the scene of the story and color it in. I reread the story noting down each new event and they graded their picture on how many details they included. Next, I showed them how to take a digital photo of their pictures. They pasted the photo in their journals and wrote a retelling of the story. We edited the stories and instead of making a final handwritten copy, the students used our IBook laptops to type the final copy. They printed out two copies and attached one to their original picture to go home and one in their journals to complete the class project. The last step was to read the final story to the class using a karaoke machine. They had to remember to hold the microphone properly, and hold their story correctly so they could read the text to an audience. We applauded for each child when they finished reading.

All kids wanted to read their own stories aloud and to use the karaoke. All students wanted to use the computer and printer. All were thrilled to learn to use the digital camera. All were reading, writing, listening and speaking. All thought themselves a success and smiled which, of course, is half the battle.

Another way I motivate children to read is to attach the computer to a projector and then onto a screen. The students read poems (or stories) in large groups all at the same time. I am the loudest. We then get to read aloud without embarrassment. It gives them practice and they learn new words.

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About Marianne Morin

I have been a teacher at Watkins Glen Elementary School for 21 years, and I love my job! When my children were young, I went to Elmira College to get a Masters degree and a Reading Specialist Certificate. At this same time I had a private Nursery School at home which all of my own children attended for free.

I am currently a Reading Teacher working with 3rd and 4th grade at risk students, and the Elementary School Technology Coordinator. These two occupations, along with a husband who is a technology consultant, have been my inspiration to incorporate technology into the reading and writing process for at-risk readers.