Confidence is key in motivating children to read. Successful readers believe in their abilities and have high expectations for success [1]. They are not afraid to read more complex texts because they know they can devise a strategic plan to help them to read and understand even the most difficult texts. They possess a strong, “Can do!” attitude.
Many children who dislike reading doubt their abilities. After many negative experiences with reading, they begin to overestimate their limitations, expect to do poorly and ultimately… stop trying. They have entered a downward spiral of doubt and failure [1]. This is unfortunate, but understandable. Nobody likes to do something that is frustrating and laborious from which they derive no meaning or satisfaction. This cycle can be very difficult to break, and students dislike of reading can become deeply entrenched.
Increasing students’ confidence is a top priority. Leading reading researcher, John T. Guthrie [1] recommends several ways in which teachers and parents can foster students’ sense of self-efficacy and increase their motivation to read:
Ensure that the texts children are expected to read are matched to their reading levels. Texts that are too difficult for children to read without adequate support will result in frustration and undermine motivation. Texts that are too easy are not engaging, as they do not present enough of a challenge.
Give frequent feedback to children about their reading. They need to know the goals of the reading tasks, where they are in relation to their goals, and the steps to get there.
Provide children with many opportunities to read. Magazines, newspapers, comics, manuals, sports brochures, poems, and recipes are engaging book alternatives.
Encourage children to set their own goals.
Present opportunities for children to share their competency with their peers or family members.
Embed skill instruction in authentic reading experiences.
Reward effort.
Believing in oneself is the most impactful motivational factor correlated to boosting student achievement [1]. Confidence and success go hand-in-hand. My recommendation is to address reading struggles as soon as possible so that children do not enter the dreaded cycle of doubt and failure. Reading aloud to your children fosters a love and an appreciation of all that texts have to offer. Let’s work together to do all we can to motivate children to read so that they can participate in the wonderful world of literacy and experience all its benefits.
Reference:
[1] Guthrie, J.T. (2011) Best Practices in motivating students to read. In L. M. Morrow & L. B. Gambrell, (Eds). Best practices in literacy instruction (pp. 177-198). New York: Guilford Press.