Ways to Promote Reading for Enjoyment

Ways to Promote Reading for Enjoyment	return to promoting reading main menu

Trying to develop in children a lifelong love of reading is a very important aspect of a teacher's craft. Listed here is a very brief summary of points to consider.

The class library needs to be a welcoming area in the classroom

Think about furniture, ambience and access. Is the shelving flexible enough to allow books to be shelved and displayed effectively and can pupils easily access it? Is there room for soft chairs and cushions?

Careful consideration needs to be given to the stock - think about selection criteria and balance of the stock. Remove old and tired books on a regular basis.
Organisation of the stock - some basic order is required and pupils need to be responsible for keeping it tidy. They need to feel ownership of their library.
Consideration needs to be given to displays in the library area and promotion of the stock.

Develop the reading cycle

The reading cycle involves: selection - reading - response. (more reading cycle information)

Develop a range of activities to encourage a love of reading

Researching author of the month including Internet searches and emailing the author - also having books and audiotapes of his/her work. (authors/illustrators web sites)
Television or film tie-ins
Explore web sites which promote children's literature
Book talk sessions
Small reading groups
Reading a book to the class; in infant classes, have props to help with the story
DEAR (Drop Everything and Read); USSR (Uninterrupted Sustained Silent Reading)
Dramatising a favourite scene from a book
Finding music to create the atmosphere to go with a book
Organise a book related enterprise activity e.g. book review magazine to sell
Visit a local publisher e.g. Collins
Invite someone from the Public Library to come in and talk about books and how to use the library
Pupils maintain a reading diary
Books events: book weeks; authors, illustrators and storytellers visits; inviting people from the community to come in and read or tell stories; shadowing the Greenaway Medal selection; holding activities to mark national reading initiatives - e.g. National Tell-a-Story day, National Children's Book week.