It is important for students to realize that people read different materials for different purposes. Too often reading may be viewed only as a school-related activity that is done to acquire the information or to master skills that will be tested. Class discussions, however, can be used to focus students' attention on the wide range of other possible reading purposes. Create a detailed list of reading materials that may include such diverse texts as an encyclopedia, newspaper, novel, television schedule, medicine bottle label, recipe, billboard, comic book or telephone directory. Use this listing to discuss why people read each type of material.
Students can refer or add to the chart as necessary.
As a natural follow-up, regularly hold purpose setting discussions, and provide as many opportunities as possible for the students to experience reading different texts for different reasons.