The intention of this blog is to provide an avenue for sharing resources gathered at this year's VSTE conference. Please feel free to post comments so your thoughts can become a part of the networking experience.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Motivating the Reluctant Reader Through Technology

Dr. Rob Furman

South Park Elementary Center Principal - rob@furmanr.com www.furmanr.com

Presentation can be found here

Tame the Text

10 things to keep in mind when motivating a reluctant reader (not necessarily involving technology)


* Useful site for polling * Poll Everywhere - www.pollev.com - good way to share/submit thoughts

How can we use technology to help us motivate readers

1 - Don't Judge the Reader

  • We have to find a way to get that first spark - we want kids to want to read
  • Storia or Bookster, Kindle or Nook books - take away the fear of being judged by the cover of the book - share Storia with parents, when they purchase books the teacher gets the points

2 - Offer a range of materials -

  • Scholastic Book Wizard - "Find Just the Right Books" - find books that are about certain topics, or similar to other books. Also great for leveling your classroom library
  • GoodReads - create an account and keep track of then rate books you've read, plus make a list of books you want to read, as they read and rate books they get suggestions for more books to read

3 - Provide Time for Dialogue

  • Conversations about books and reading
  • What is the last book that you read?
  • How did you feel when it ended?
  • What did you want to do after you completed the book?
  • How many of us want to answer 10 questions to prove comprehension?
  • in2books - through ePals - screened adults are mentors to grade 3-5 struggling readers, teachers go between the teacher - UnitedWay and other organizations often underwrite the program. Authentic, rich communication about books. Classes can communicate with other classes about what they're reading.
  • book-clubs-resource.com - book discussions
  • Skype with another class - robfurman - rob@furmanr.com - willing to read a book then Skype to have a discussion
  • Skype an Author Network - Capture the Flag author will Skype for free skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com

4 - Give Readers a Toolkit - here are some technology resources

5 - Don't impose on kids, let them read at their comfort level

  • Never say "that's too easy for you" or things that would discourage them reading. If they have that interest, let them read it. If it's too hard, read it together, give them the book on CD to follow along.

6 - Dive Deep

  • Scholastic - The Stacks - after students read a book,
  • BitStrips - Make a comic

7 - Value Browsing and Rereading

8 - Building Stamina

9 - Teach Students to Curate Their Own Reading Lives

10 - Remember, Joy Matters

  • There is no greater gift we can give to our children than the joy of reading!
  • Model a joy of reading
  • Know your students and your collection 
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