One of the most important goals we can set as teachers is to foster a love of reading in our students. With some students, this is an easy task, and with some students, this can seem like an impossible task. However, throughout my years of teaching, I have found some tricks that help grow this love of reading in students that start very reluctant. Before you know it, they are eager to pick up book after book because they can't wait to unfold the mystery inside. Read below to snag some tips and tricks to promote reading in your classroom:

1. The FIRST and MOST essential thing is to get to know your students and what they are interested in outside of school. Sit down with each student at the beginning of the year for about 2 minutes. Have a conversation about what they enjoy outside of school. Make notes and document what they say so you can use them later to find books that match their interests. This time will be an excellent investment for future teaching on multiple levels. 

2. SPOTLIGHT books in your classroom. Take a short amount of time each day to spotlight a book from your library. You can do a quick YouTube clip about the book, read a couple of pages, have a student talk about a book they recently read, or even talk about books you love to read. If you create a buzz around a book and share a page or two, usually, students will be hooked. Students usually can't wait to read the books that the teacher loves. This leads me to my third tip.

3. Keep a basket of your FAVORITES somewhere in the room. I always kept a basket labeled Mrs. Branham's favorites in my classroom. The students couldn't wait to get their hands on books they thought were my favorite!

4. During your read-aloud time, you can share books that are a part of a SERIES. If you read the first book many times, they can't wait to get their hands on the rest of the series.  

5. SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! At the end of students' independent reading time, have the students turn and talk to a partner about the book they read that day. Nothing creates interest like their friend telling them about an exciting book they are reading. You can also have book spotlight days where students share a book they recently read that they love. There's no better recommendation than student to student!

6. Last but not least, have CONVERSATIONS about books with students. You can take 2 minutes here or there and ask students about what they are reading. Be genuinely interested and let them know that you can't wait to hear what happens next. This conversation will encourage them to read further, and I guarantee they will jump at the chance to tell you more. Students love having real conversations with their teachers. Maybe you could even share with them a fantastic book you are reading!

HAPPY READING!