Teach-Reading-and-Writing-Issue-22

Plugging children into reading isn’t that hard – it’s keeping the power going that really matters, says Kelly Ashley A teacher who values reading for pleasure may find themself asking “What will get my children reading... and what will keep them going? ” That first spark is often easy to ignite, but keeping it burning takes intention and care. In a world full of devices and distractions, how can we help young readers stay fully charged? Not just switched on temporarily, but with sustained reading energy for the long haul. The answer lies in not just getting pupils switched on to reading, but in understanding what’s powering them . In an age of instant entertainment, are they plugged into something meaningful, or running on a temporary charge? Let’s take a look at three different kinds of ‘reader power’ — extrinsic, social and intrinsic — and how we can fuel long-term reading motivation without blowing a fuse. Mains power Extrinsic motivators are everywhere — they include reading rewards, competitions and more. These strategies are widely SWITCHED on used, easy to implement and often deliver quick wins in the short term. Like mains electricity, they provide an immediate surge of motivation. The reward is tangible and the outcome is visible, but this kind of power doesn’t last when unplugged. Mains power can be useful, but it’s not foolproof. Relying solely on external incentives means motivation often drops as soon as the rewards stop. A reading raffle might increase minutes logged, but it doesn’t necessarily nurture a genuine desire to read. These strategies can be effective as a catalyst – particularly for pupils who need a positive starting point or a timely boost. But when these approaches become the primary power supply, there’s a risk of cultivating reward-seeking behaviours rather than (or maintain) the spark. Reading communities create sustained momentum that is difficult to replicate through individual effort alone. When pupils become active participants in the communal culture of reading, their engagement is more likely to increase. Reading shifts from being a private pursuit to a shared experience, and the energy it creates is powerful. The role of the adult is crucial here: not simply to promote reading, but to model, to recommend and to ensure open discussion, value and enjoyment. To strengthen the current, develop intentional social reading environments. Book clubs, paired reading opportunities, shared recommendations and family involvement all contribute to thriving and resilient reading networks. fostering sustained engagement over time. Think of extrinsic motivators as the spark plug, not the fuel tank — ideal for igniting interest, but insufficient to drive the reader’s journey long term. The power grid Social motivation draws strength from connection. Like a shared power grid, it relies on multiple sources feeding into a common current. You’ll find it in the laughter following a shared read-aloud, in carefully curated peer recommendations, and in conversations sparked by familiar characters or series favourites. This type of motivation is generated through social interaction with both peers and adults. Its strength lies in adaptability: when one connection weakens, another can often reignite “A reading raffle might increase minutes logged, but it doesn’t necessarily nurture a genuine desire to read” TH I NK I NG L I T ERAC Y www.teachwire.net | 9