Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. – Joseph Addison (English Essayist, Poet and Playwright)
6 useful skills to help your students excited for Reading!
- Travel with Your Mind
Reading can transport you instantly, try using reading to launch exciting adventures. Allow everyone to close their eyes and choose a spot on a globe, and then read about that place! Or read stories about explorers, travelers, adventurers, etc. - Pick Fun Topics
Your students can choose the subjects that interest them. It can be whatever they find fascinating: otters, dinosaurs, rocks, rainbows, anything. Then read books, stories, and articles related to the topic, and have fun activities! - Do a Reading Challenge
Check out our helpful instructions for doing a reading challenge at your school! The goal is just for everybody to read more and have fun. - Read Aloud
Even if it’s only for 15 minutes each day, choose a book and read it aloud! Reading aloud develops fundamental reading skills, promotes social interactions, and improves vocabulary, word recognition, listening comprehension, and cognitive development. - Try Reading Rewards
Everybody appreciates incentives. What’s better than a prize for a job well done? Rewards for your students’ reading accomplishments can be anything from a pizza party to special certificates or anything else your students would enjoy. - Read Something You Love
Ask your students to tell you their favorite books, why they love the book: maybe their favorite choice from this month or this year, or maybe their favorite book of all time. Read everyone’s favorite stories and share it on the school board!
The importance of reading extends far beyond educational development. Reading improves memory, increases cognitive function, builds empathy, lowers stress, and promotes positive mental health.