Reading Promotion Article

Fiore, C. & Susan Roman. (2010). “Meeting Readers Where They Are.” School Library Journal. New York, New York: Media Source Publication.

Reading has migrated from the printed page to the computer screen. To keep teenagers interested, we have to meet them where they are. In a survey, teenagers that are interested in reading say that they like to select their books, and they feel transported by their reading which meets their intellectual and emotional needs. Teenagers that are disinterested say reading is not free choice, is difficult mentally and physically, and the selection is minimal. The author of the article says we have to encourage teenagers by allowing for social motivators, allowing free choice, allow more options, and allow for an inclusive summer reading program. By reducing the isolation of reading by using reading blogs, reading clubs, literature circles, and podcasts, the activity of reading becomes a social networking experience. Another aspect that can improve student reading is allowing free choice. The teenagers feel locked by teacher choices and teacher control. Giving the teenagers a choice on books they are interested in allows them to practice their reading but also read books that keep their attention. The important factor should be that they are reading. There is also a great loss in achievement over the summer months. A summer reading program is important, but librarians and teachers have to be careful not to control the program too much. Allowing the teenagers to continue free choice options and social networking will keep the interest level. This in turn will allow the students to come back to school at the same or higher level of reading than when they left.

I selected this article because the teenagers of today will read, but we as teachers can’t force them by old means. There are new ways to increase student reading. I love the idea of creating a social network for the students when they are reading. This allows them to stay in contact and discuss what they are reading. So often, they will read and never voice their opinions. They may be too afraid to speak up in class, but a blog would be a great way for them to discuss the book. The article also addressed free choice and summer reading programs. Both of these options are great, but with the summer reading program, we need to allow the students to keep free choice and social networking. All of these options allow us to meet the students where they are, which will increase student reading.