Motivation: The Overlooked Sixth Component of Reading

Motivation: The Overlooked Sixth Component of Reading



I stumbled upon this article on my facebook feed today and as I read, I couldn't help but physically shake my head, YES! YES! YES!!

Connection, Contribution and Competence



Each of the above are essential in the world of teaching and learning and especially important when it comes to reading and literacy.  The author brings up the point that when children start school, things are all exciting and they are ready to learn.  It is somewhere along the way that they lose that motivation and things become difficult for many students. When it comes to reading and books, it is essential that we remember these 3 C's.



Connection - Students must feel connected to what they are reading. It is important to have frequent conversation with students about what they are interested in and what they might enjoy learning more about.  Matching students with a good fit book is not only about finding a book that they can read but about finding a book that they will immensely enjoy reading as well. It is that intrinsic motivation that will enable your students to soar when it comes to reading.  



Contribution - Students want to be able to talk about what they read and what they are learning.  Giving them outlets to do that is essential.



Competence - Lastly, it is important that students are given opportunities to feel successful.  It might be noticing that a student is blogging about a book or taking notes more effectively than before.  Encourage, encourage, encourage!



As we start this year, let's be sure to keep these things in mind.  I truly believe that if a student claims to not like reading, they just haven't found the right book yet.  It is our job to help students make connections, contributions and build competence.