Key Reading & Writing Motivators to Remember

Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivators

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The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators is; intrinsic means that the source of influence comes from “inside” or within the student, and extrinsic means things that come from the “outside” world that encourages the student.  Ultimately we want all of our students to be able to intrinsically motivate themselves to read and write without the need for any extrinsic motivation.  Younger students tends to be highly influenced by their parents or teachers, so sometimes all it takes to push these students to be self-motivated is some positive reinforcement and praise.  You have to be careful with how much extrinsic motivation you are providing because we don’t want students expecting or depending on the gratification that comes from an outside reward.  Instead we want them relying on the internal sense of pride that comes from accomplishing a goal.

Home Environment

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            It is most beneficial to students when they receive supplemental reading or writing at home.  This does not have to be in the form of homework, but instead can be looked at as home-school connection activities.  The more exposure students have with literacy the better.  This exposure can include bedtime stories, observing their parents read newspapers/magazines, playing board games, using a broad vocabulary, reading to each other, writing in diaries/journals, etc.   These activities do not take up a lot of time and can be done with children at any age, but they are important to be done with family in order for students to develop a respect for literacy.  Students enter our classrooms with a wide range of abilities and experiences from home.  We can work on lessening this gap by providing families with fun activities that they could try at home, and also provide them with literature to enjoy together if they do not have the resources.  Parents that set high standards for their children’s learning and encourage literacy at home will help these students develop skills to prepare them to become intrinsically motivated.

Peer Influence

    

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        As students make their way into middle and high school they shift from wanting the approval of their parents and teacher to wanting the approval of their peers.  This can affect their literacy development because they may lose the motivation they once had because their friends no longer find it important or “cool.”  Teachers at this age level have to be even more creative to reach these students that are slowly losing their interest.  Students are fascinated with themselves and their wants, and tend to be more motivated when the reading and writing are directed towards them.  With friends being the priority it may be beneficial to allow students to participate in more group work or group discussions.  There is no question that friends become increasing more significant as students get older, but we can use this bond to our benefit by creating a little healthy competition and also promoting teamwork to really build on their curiosity to read and write.

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Choice

            One of the most effective ways to promote literacy and get students involved in their learning is to give them a choice. A choice in books they read, a choice in what they write about, a choice in how they are assessed.  Students do not want to feel dependent on the teacher for everything, and may become very resistant to literacy if the curriculum is entirely decided for them.  Just like we all want to feel like we have a voice in our own life, students also want to feel like their voice matters in the classroom.  If you do give students a choice in what they read it is still necessary that students know how to choose a “just right” book for them.  They are a variety of ways to teach book selection to students in order for them to find a book at their level and a book they might enjoy.  Two strategies that I researched and found helpful are “I PICK” and “Goldilocks Just Right Books.”  For each strategy students much go through each category to make sure the store is readable, interesting, and comprehendible. 

 

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Authentic Literature

            There is a purpose behind everything we read or write, ranging from strictly for information or sometimes for pure enjoyment.  No matter what the purpose, we need to provide literature that is authentic and worthwhile for students to read.  Along with the books we fill our classrooms with; the activities we assign should be relatable and meaningful to them as well.  Getting to know your students will help to plan literacy lessons that will be appropriate for their unique abilities and personalities.