Reading Motivation for Little Learners
It can be tough to motivate reluctant readers and writers to engage with print. They’d rather play with blocks or go to recess than spend time in our classroom library. However, I’ve found a fun and inexpensive reading motivation trick that ignites passion in even my most reluctant readers.
I already had a very cozy classroom library with a child-sized recliner, a soft rug, and some adorable pillows. My bookshelf was filled with colorful books that are perfect for preschool or kindergarten.
Yet, I was finding that most of the children weren’t excited to sit down, open a book, and “read” (or pretend to, anyway).
I found the same problem at the writing center. Interacting with the writing vocabulary cards and experimenting with letter formation just wasn’t motivating to some of my little learners.
One Little Trick That Worked to Promote Reading Motivation
I wear glasses and kids have always been fascinated by my glasses. Why do you wear them? How do they work? Can I try them on?
So I found some colorful glasses (without lenses, of course), stuck them in a container, added a label, and told the kids I bought them some reading glasses like mine. You should have seen the excitement in their eyes!
Suddenly, the reading center and the writing center were the coolest place to be. The children put on their reading glasses and “read” book after book. Their glasses helped them read the words on the word charts. They read signs in the room and pretended to take selfies with their new glasses on.
It was priceless! I had finally found the magic reading motivation key for my preschoolers!
Keeping It Fresh so They Stay Motivated
This reading motivation trick is easy to bring into your own classroom. And to keep it fresh, try adding holiday themed “reading glasses” to your centers. Oriental Trading and the Dollar Store always have adorable sunglasses for Halloween, Christmas, and more. Pop the lenses out, and voila! You’ve got reading glasses!
You could also give each child a pair of “reading glasses” and a special book as an end of the year gift. Be sure to keep an eye on the Scholastic dollar deals throughout the year to grab the perfect book!
The book in these picture is called The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade. When my students leave my class, they go to a K-2 school so they really are in the smallest grade. I love reading this book to them on the first day of school and again before they head to the “big school!”
No matter what book you choose, add a gift tag and a pair of reading glasses, and you’ve got a special gift for your little ones.
Download the FREE Printable label to add to your own jar of reading glasses!
More Fun Ideas You’ll Love:
Kaitlin says
I love this idea and students will too! Where did you order the glasses from?
Ashley says
Awww, thanks Kaitlin! I actually found these in Target on the Party decor/favor aisle. They were $3 for a pack of 6. 🙂
Kaitlin says
Awesome! Thanks so much!
Language & Learning says
What a nice insights and guide that every parents should follow through for their kids learning needs.