Kindergarten students have one major thing in common. When they walk into the classroom, they want to learn to read. They cannot wait to learn words and be able to read books by themselves. Checking out a book from the school library is one of the biggest things that can happen at school.
This excitement for reading usually continues for a few years and then begins to slow down. Students seem to lose the interest in reading and the joy in taking home books.
I saw this happen year after year when I taught eighth grade. Most students found that reading was a chore or punishment. They did not find the same excitement in reading a book that the younger children find.
So what happens through the years that turn the students off to reading?
It is actually a combination of things.
First, middle school students have very busy lives. They are usually involved in some type of school activity, have more homework, more emotional stress, and a more activity social life. Between practices, homework, video games, and telephone conversation there simply just is not enough time to read.
Younger children are often given more freedom when it comes to reading. Their reading is usually not mandated or graded by the teacher. They do not participate in as many reading tests and projects.
By the time the students reach intermediate and middle school, reading becomes something that the teacher takes control of academically. Teachers begin to assign particular books for students to read. Students must take tests over books or complete projects. Fewer opportunities are given for students to read for simple pleasure with no motive by the teacher. Children can get stuck reading books that they are interested in.
Check back for future articles to find out how to rekindle the flame the excitement to read!