Dr. Linda Gambrell of the University of Maryland shares valuable tips on motivating students to become engaged readers. Engaged readers like to choose their own books. Engaged readers like books and stories that are familiar . Students also frequently reported that friends had told them about books that they enjoyed reading, but teachers and parents also influenced reading choices.
Engaged readers interact with others about their reading.
Social interaction about books and stories appears to foster wide, frequent reading. Across all grade levels in our study, students spoke enthusiastically about interacting with others regarding the books and stories they enjoyed. For engaged readers, books are the best reward. In a study conducted with first grade students, students were rewarded with books for successfully meeting their reading goals. Eight months later, a follow-up study revealed these students were more motivated and engaged in reading activities than those who were not rewarded with books.