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Engaging Reluctant Readers

pouting-boy-348153_1280 How can you get a reluctant reader to read? Do the words “time to read” bring this look on a child you know?

As teachers and parents we have encountered children who don’t like to read.  Motivating reluctant readers can be a challenge. How do we get them engaged so they continue to grow and be successful readers. The key is finding passages that are interesting to them and help them be active in their own learning.

Imagine asking an intriguing question such as, “Did you know people eat stink bugs?” or “Can kids make their parents’ hair turn gray?”. Now that you have piqued their curiosity you have a hook to grab their attention as well as a purpose for reading.

Prove it Prove it Set 1 coverInside this resource are the answers to questions such as:

* How Were the First Potato Chips Invented?
* What’s a Perfect Game in Baseball?
* Who Invented Legos?
* What’s the Hottest Planet?
* Do People Eat Stink Bugs?
* Who Invented the Trampoline?
* What’s the Difference Between a Fruit and a Vegetable?
* Where Does the President Sleep?
* How Long Does It Take to Grow a Fingernail?
* Who Invented Corn Flakes?

Prove it Prove it sample pageYou know that popular song from the movie Madagascar, “I like to move it, move it”. Well that is our tune for citing text evidence.

“You’ve got to prove-it prove-it.”

Use that fun jingle to start your lesson and your kids will have it stuck in their heads too! The students will need to have crayons handy so they can underline where in the passage they found the answer. Finally, the student will write their answer on the lines beside the questions. Your reluctant readers will be asking you for the next story.

❉ Can I Make My Parents’ Hair Turn Gray?
❉ Where Do Marshmallows Come From?
❉ Can I Sneeze In My Sleep?
❉ Did Castle Moats Have Alligators?
❉ What’s a Boomer?
❉ Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?
❉ What is a Fad?
❉ What Lives in a Billabong?
❉ What is a Quetzal?
❉ What the Nose Knows!

These engaging topics are in set 2. Both are available at my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

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  • Thank you for all you do!

  • Alison Monk

    When I started teaching, I quickly realized that student teaching didn't prepare me for the real challenges of being alone in a classroom full of young children. The learning curve was steep and time was limited. That is why I created the Literacy Garden. My hope is this will be a place for inspiration, mentoring, and connecting.

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    2 Comments

  • Jan August 10, 2016 at 3:09 PM

    My son, who is now a teenager, was definitely a reluctant reader. He probably still is!!! I used to try to find anything that might get him reading….books on baseball, and sharks. One thing I did when he was younger was read a page to him, then have him read the next page to me. I think sometimes kids are reluctant to read because it is difficult for them. I agree that finding relevant and high interest passages and books can really help. Pokemon Go is a fantastic way to capture the interest of a wide range of kids.

  • Amanda August 8, 2016 at 8:43 PM

    Love the questions! Eating stink bugs!

  • Leave a Reply

    Hi! I'm Alison

    My #1 passion is all things literacy! I'm a curriculum creator and literacy specialist with over 30 years teaching in elementary classrooms. My goal is to share creative and engaging ways to grow your students and are easy to implement and academically sound. You can expect to find teaching tips to boost your confidence and grow your learners. You don't have to do this alone! I'm the support you've been looking for. I'm so glad you are here!

    About the Literacy Garden

    When I started teaching, I quickly realized that student teaching didn't prepare me for the real challenges of being alone in a classroom full of young children. The learning curve was steep and time was limited. That is why I created the Literacy Garden. My hope is this will be a place for inspiration, mentoring, and connecting.

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