Targeting Our Readers: Identifying the Lifetime, Schooltime , & Reluctant Reader Populations

Targeting Our Readers: Identifying the Lifetime, Schooltime, & Reluctant Reader Populations Dr. Wendy A. Rickman AAIM 2010 Conference Hot Springs, AR April 18, 2010

Let’s Self Identify • Do you read -- a lot? • Do you read -- on your breaks, lunch period, sitting at appointments? • Do you begin to get excited at the thought of going to the local bookstore and/or library? • Do you get excited at the possibility of bookstores you’ll get to visit when traveling? • Do you have a Kindle, Sony E-Reader, or iPad? • Do you have audiobooks on your iPod or Zune?

Lifetime Readers Stages of Lifetime Readers • Reading for Unconscious Delight • Reading Autobiographically • Reading for Vicarious Experiences • Reading for Philosophical Speculation • Reading for Aesthetic Experience. Lesesne, 2003. (Donelson & Nilsen, 1999; Early, 1960; Carlsen, 1974)

Lifetime Readers Experiences that lead to lifetime reading: (Carlsen & Sherill, 1988) • Teachers that read to them • Family that read to them • Teachers that read continually • Family that read continually • The Reader is able to choose reading material (Lesesne, 2003)

Intrinsic Motivation The lifetime reader is self-motivated to read. • Motivation - The process that energizes &/or maintains a behavior (www.allpsych.com/dictionary/dictionary3.html) • Locus of Control - autonomy & control are pivotal to human behavior & decision making. • Choice can enhance intrinsic motivation • Self-determination Factors: Choice Interest/Enjoyment Creativity Affirmation of Competence Self-esteem

Let’s Self Identify • Do you read -- mostly at work? • Do you read -- mostly stuff for work? • Do you read -- only when a task at work requires it? • Do you read when doing an activity or to achieve a lesson goal with students? • Do you read when students and/or classes request it?

Schooltime & WorktimeReaders Reading because of necessity.

Let’s Self Identify • Do you read -- only when required to? • Do you struggle to read? • Do you dislike to read?

Reluctant Readers • Reading to meet an obligation. • Difficulty reading. • Dislike of Reading.

Reluctant Readers • May have a decoding issue • May have a comprehension issue • Has a lack of motivation • May be a dormant reader (Lesesne, 2003)

Dormant Readers • Readers who choose to not be active readers for a period of time. • Reasons Why: Extra-curricular Activities Health Issues Family Activities Testing Schedules Taking a Break

What to do? • Get to know the students & their culture - slang, music & movies, fashion, trends, what they do read, why they don’t like to read, ask them -- don’t guess. • Give them choices - for the reluctant reader, give them limited choices based on their preferences & offer audiobooks. • Let them read the easy & enjoyable. • Let them keep the books - ownership is important. • Read aloud. • Share with them what you read & why. • Make time to read. Make it a value that is valuable. (Lesesne, 2003).

References • Deci, E., & Ryan, R. (2002). Handbook of self determination research. University of Rochester Press. • Higgins, E.T., & Kruglanski, A.W. (2000). Motivational science. Psychology Press. • Lesesne, T. (2003). Making the match. Stenhouse. • Lesesne, T. (2006). Naked reading. Stenhouse. • Motivation. (2004). www.allpsych.com/dictionary.dictionary3.html

Targeting Our Readers: Identifying the Lifetime, Schooltime , & Reluctant Reader Populations