The Reluctant Reader
Amanda Wiley, Kacy Allen, and Tracey Kell
Summer of 2005
Barrier: Many students do not
fully utilize the media center because they are reluctant
readers. This reluctance results in the student not checking out
materials and can prevent them from becoming life-long learners.
Solution: There are many resources the media specialist can utilize in order to overcome this barrier.
Literature Circles- Provides for a discussion of various titles. This allows students to be exposed to a wide variety of genres, as well as authors. It focuses on different styles of learning while increasing students' comprehension of the literary work.
Book Talks and Read alouds- This interactive strategy is not just for elementary school media centers! It can be a whole book, or just a paragraph or two! Used to introduce authors, new titles, or to "hook" a student on a book they probably would not pick for themselves.
Silent Sustained Reading- Students can read for pleasure without the pressure of being assessed on their comprehension. It gives them time to become interested in reading, and builds a strong foundation for the love of reading.
Displays- New books or suggested titles for reluctant readers. Bulletin boards with titles of books like " Holes" or "Maniac Magee." This provides suggested titles to read which are similar to "popular" titles.
Smaller selection of titles- Reluctant readers are often intimated by the "shelves." Pulling popular titles and shelving them in a "recommended" section will often encourage circulation.
Book stickers- Create a sticker of a boy on a skateboard from a simple graphic. Use this sticker to mark books that would appeal to boys who are reluctant readers. This tells the student that it is a quick read on various topics of interest to boys and is great if you are targeting relectuant male readers.. Another variation is a gender neutral sticker to designate "quick" reads or a girl graphic on books that are popular with your female readers.
Drawings- Offer monthly drawings for door prizes to students checking out books.
Environment- Comfort aromas to make the media center enticing. This can be a plug in or a well-protected candle during story time (i.e. pumpkin pie candle in October). If you use a candle, don't light until kids are seated. Leave it in the possesion of a responsible adult and extinguish before allowing students to move. Check your school's policy on candles first. Another option is scented plugs-ins.
List of suggested books for reluctant readers: Below are several lists:
Nonfiction- Many reluctuant readers enjoy books on: sports, biographies (especially on celebrities and sports figures), drawing, animals, racing, and outdoor recreation.
Books on tape- Geared to auditory learners and allows them to hear, as well as see the words.
Series Books and accompanying websites-
Periodicals- Magazines are great for reluctant readers. They are generally short and students can select topics they are interested in reviewing. Advertisements in some magazines are sometimes questionable, so preview before purchasing.
Return to Cataloging Page
The content and opinions expressed on this Web page do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the University of Georgia or the University System of Georgia.
Solution: There are many resources the media specialist can utilize in order to overcome this barrier.
Literature Circles- Provides for a discussion of various titles. This allows students to be exposed to a wide variety of genres, as well as authors. It focuses on different styles of learning while increasing students' comprehension of the literary work.
Book Talks and Read alouds- This interactive strategy is not just for elementary school media centers! It can be a whole book, or just a paragraph or two! Used to introduce authors, new titles, or to "hook" a student on a book they probably would not pick for themselves.
Silent Sustained Reading- Students can read for pleasure without the pressure of being assessed on their comprehension. It gives them time to become interested in reading, and builds a strong foundation for the love of reading.
Displays- New books or suggested titles for reluctant readers. Bulletin boards with titles of books like " Holes" or "Maniac Magee." This provides suggested titles to read which are similar to "popular" titles.
Smaller selection of titles- Reluctant readers are often intimated by the "shelves." Pulling popular titles and shelving them in a "recommended" section will often encourage circulation.
Book stickers- Create a sticker of a boy on a skateboard from a simple graphic. Use this sticker to mark books that would appeal to boys who are reluctant readers. This tells the student that it is a quick read on various topics of interest to boys and is great if you are targeting relectuant male readers.. Another variation is a gender neutral sticker to designate "quick" reads or a girl graphic on books that are popular with your female readers.
Drawings- Offer monthly drawings for door prizes to students checking out books.
Environment- Comfort aromas to make the media center enticing. This can be a plug in or a well-protected candle during story time (i.e. pumpkin pie candle in October). If you use a candle, don't light until kids are seated. Leave it in the possesion of a responsible adult and extinguish before allowing students to move. Check your school's policy on candles first. Another option is scented plugs-ins.
List of suggested books for reluctant readers: Below are several lists:
- Books for reluctant readers
- International list of fiction for boys (12-16)
- Books
for fourth and fifth graders
- Books
for middle schoolers
Nonfiction- Many reluctuant readers enjoy books on: sports, biographies (especially on celebrities and sports figures), drawing, animals, racing, and outdoor recreation.
Books on tape- Geared to auditory learners and allows them to hear, as well as see the words.
Series Books and accompanying websites-
- The Zack Files, By: Dan Greenberg http://www.penguinputnam.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/zack/index.htm
- Capstone Publishers http://www.compasspointbooks.com/ (hi/lo books and nonfiction)
- Perfection Learning http://www.perfectionlearning.com/middle/ (high interest/low level reading)
Periodicals- Magazines are great for reluctant readers. They are generally short and students can select topics they are interested in reviewing. Advertisements in some magazines are sometimes questionable, so preview before purchasing.
Return to Cataloging Page
The content and opinions expressed on this Web page do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the University of Georgia or the University System of Georgia.