Motivation is the main element that pushes an individual to perform even the simplest tasks of every day. We might have seen motivated individuals being highly optimistic and passionate about their activity. It is simply because the invisible energy inside them drives them to do so.
In schools and institutions, teachers have become habitual in motivating students both keen and hesitant to read in class and even at home. It is sometimes easy to identify habitual readers as being motivated, informed, and socially engaging. However, some individuals are reluctant to read; they find it almost impossible to stick to a book and discover what it’s about. Reluctant readers find no joy in reading words in a book.
The rise of social media and children’s increased involvement with electronic gadgets has led to a sudden drop in book reading. There are various ways to induce motivation among reluctant readers, some of which are stated below:
1. Self-Efficacy through Reading
Albert Bandura, a renowned psychologist, thinks of self-efficacy as the energy drive inside ourselves that motivates us to decide. While talking about reading, a reader might want to explore different types of books before finding one that genuinely intrigues them. Reading about things of interest allows readers to enjoy reading.
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2. Give Them the Option
Once individuals have discovered a genre of their liking or interest, they will be automatically motivated to read more and more books with the same theme. Teachers are therefore asked to give autonomy to their students when it comes to selecting books they want to read, which builds up the habit of choice.
When individuals are habitual of reading, they are keen on discussing it among their peers, enhancing their ability to interact and generate scholarly and exciting communication. Here we can link self-efficacy with the choice; once an individual is motivated to make the efforts of their liking, they will choose more book on that topic. This combination increases their self-efficacy and self-confidence.
3. Make Every Day a Reading Day
We all loved to be read to by our parents, grandparents, and elder siblings. Research has proved that listening to someone read enhances children’s comprehension, and in the future, it becomes helpful by introducing them to advanced vocabulary and terminology.
While reading to a child, it is essential to create visual imagery and background knowledge of the words you speak. This also fosters curiosity and thinking capability of the child. Some children are deep thinkers by birth; while you read, make sure to ask questions and show the pictures. This induces the habit of active listening, and it engages them in thinking.
4. Bring in the Audio Books
Do you believe audiobooks are good for children? Audiobooks are among the most effective reading motivators available, and they also assist kids in becoming better readers. One reason is that kids can see the phrases in writing as they listen to them and track the words in the book while listening. It is pretty powerful. Not to forget the advantages of hearing incredible stories read by accomplished authors!
5. Make It a Social Activity
Children at any school and proficiency level value socialization and interaction with peers, and we should incorporate fun interactions into a literacy lesson. Create an environment where literacy is a shared practice, and kids, including reluctant readers, feel a sense of belonging. Informal student-led group discussions are one method to do this. Enabling students to manage these groups is critical since studies show that student-driven discussion groups have more in-depth and intricate conversations than those conducted by a teacher. Allowing students to discuss the meaning of work with their classmates can also assist in eliminating misunderstandings about the material and broaden their understanding of what they read.
Conclusion
To read is to fly; converting hesitant readers into motivated readers ensures that all students actively participate while learning and discovering independence. A teacher must motivate students to read for pleasure and academic skills. Books provide us with invisible wings and lead us to destinations that cannot be seen by anyone except reader. Make a goal to read daily, and you will see how your imagination broadens.