Reaching Reluctant Readers in the School Library

1. Reaching Reluctant Readers in the School Library Jami Jo Williams

2. What is a reluctant reader? • Can read • Chooses not to read • Struggling Readers vs. Reluctant Readers

3. Types of Reluctant Readers • Dormant • Enjoys reading • Will not make time to read • Uncommitted • No positive regard for reading • See themselves becoming good readers • Unmotivated • No positive regard for reading • Negative feelings towards readers • Cannot see themselves becoming readers

4. Other Reluctant Reader Classifications The A+ Student The Athlete The Popular The Outsider The Average Joe/Jane The ELL or ESL student The incarcerated The low level reader

5. Why are reluctant readers reluctant? • Many reasons • Non-reading role models at home • Busy, active students • Reading equals failure • Reading is boring when compared to the media of today • Self-Absorption (books have nothing for me or about me) • The constant pressure to be reading • Reading perceived as a solitary activity

6. Strategies • Many Ways to attempt to reach reluctant readers • Technology • Graphic Novels • Nonfiction • Programs • Connecting Reluctant Readers to Books

7. Tips Be Accepting/Nonjudgmental Be Passionate Be Honest Remember--All reading is reading Surround students with books that meet their interests Discuss reading with students

8. Technology • Embrace technology • Computers • E-Books • Audio Books • The use of and information about technology

9. Graphic Novels Dynamic mixture of text and art Must comprehend both Include the same literary components Visual appeal Can be used as a bridge

10. Nonfiction • Interest-based • Nonlinear • Favorite of teens • Often visual • Often unpredictable • Difference between elementary and high school • Acceptable vs. not acceptable

11. Connecting Reluctant Readers to Books • Connecting the right book to the right student at the right time • One good experience leads to another • Many Elements • Library Environment • Reader Advising • Selecting books

12. Programs • Library Specific • Many options • Book Clubs • Students, teachers, parents, community, etc. • Integrating Art and Literature • Booktalks • Fiction and nonfiction • Read-Alouds • Students of all ages

13. Survey • Consisted of 12 questions • IU6 Librarians • Elementary • High School • Asked: • What strategies are or are not used? • How are strategies applied? • Why strategies are or are not used?

14. Survey Questions-Example • Which of the following strategies to reach reluctant readers do you use in your library? Please check all that apply. __ E-Books __Projects/Assignments designed to inspire reading __Audio Books __Readers’ Advisories __Graphic Novels __The Use of Nonfiction __Programs __Read Alouds __Integrating art into literature __Reading Groups/Book Clubs • Which of the strategies to reach reluctant readers that you checked work most effectively for you?

15. Survey Results • 12 responses • 34% return rate • All 12 were full time librarians • Elementary-4 • Middle-3 • High School-4 • Other-1 • 1 Librarian said that reluctant readers are a non-issue

16. Survey Results-Continued

17. Survey Results-Continued • Do not use • Only one strategy was not used by anyone • Integrating Art into Literature

18. Conclusions • Librarians do work with reluctant readers • Strategies depend on school and students • Knowing your students is most important

19. References Brehm-Heeger, P., Creel, S., & etc. (2009). Quick and popular reads for teens. P. S. Holley, (Ed.). Chicago: American Library Association Bromann, J. (2001). Booktalking that works. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc. Chan, J. T. (1985). The promise of computers for reluctant readers. School Library Journal, 32(3), 120. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Cole, S. (2010). Booktalking around the world: Great global reads for ages 9-14. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. Crawford, P. (February 2004). A Novel Approach: Using Graphic Novels to Attract Reluctant Readers and Promote Literacy. Library Media Connection v. 22 no. 5 p. 26-8 Dickey, J., & Jones, P. (1994). Finding a good book: Skills and tools for helping students. Book Report, 13(1), 15. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Plucker, J. (2010). Baiting the reading hook. Educational Leadership, 68(2), 58-63. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Reed, A.J. (1988). Comics to classics: A parent’s guide to books for teens and preteens. Newark, Delaware: International Reading Association Reid, R. (2009). Reid’s read alouds: Selections for children and teens. Chicago: American Library Association. Rowley, D., & Mattingley, L. (2009). A reading fix - better than chocolate?. English inAotearoa, (67), 28-32. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Sullivan, E. T. (2002). Reaching reluctant young adult readers: A handbook for teachers and librarians. Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press. Watson, J. & Stencel, J. (2005). Reaching reluctant readers with nonfiction. Young Adult LibraryServices, 4(1), 8-11. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Young, R. (2007). Graphically Speaking: The Importance of Graphic Books in a School Library Collection. Library Media Connection, 25(4), 26-28. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

20. Questions