What Makes Us Want to Read?

Research shows that reading engagement and enjoyment not only predict academic success; they foster resilient learners, capable of navigating challenges and adapting to new situations.

However, reading enjoyment is at an all-time low, with over half (56%) of children and young people aged 8 – 18 reporting that don’t enjoy reading in their free time (National Literacy Trust, 2023).

So, what makes us want to read? And how can we help more young people fall in love with reading with Rockerbox?

Choice Matters: Giving readers control over what they read empowers them and sparks interest (Guthrie, 2007). Give your pupils as much choice as possible when they're reading with Rockerbox. This might include:

- Letting your pupils choose their reading homework through a vote

- Selecting multiple texts on a topic you're covering in class and letting pupils pick which ones they want to focus on

- Reading for pleasure on Rockerbox News

- Requesting topics from the Rockerbox Newsroom

Talk it Out: Discussing both fiction and non-fiction texts with peers, teachers, or family deepens understanding and creates a shared experience, enhancing enjoyment (Roser & Walker, 2018). Dedicate time to discussing and engaging with what you've read on Rockerbox in class. This might include:

- Allocating time after the weekend to discuss your weekend reading and answer the Topics to Discuss

- Reading Front Page News together as a class and discussing current affairs

- Using the open-ended questions in Rockerbox to spark discussion or text-led writing activities

Challenge Accepted: Offering texts that match a reader's skill level but push them slightly beyond their comfort zone fosters a sense of accomplishment and growth (Guthrie, 2004). Take your Rockerbox reading a step further by researching a historical figure or finding more information to explain a scientific phenomenon. Make sure you utilise the Read Alouds and accessible formats to cater to diverse learners and ensure everyone can participate in reading activities.

Make it Meaningful: Connecting reading to real-world experiences and personal interests helps readers see the value of reading and its impact on their lives (Gambrell et al., 1996). Make sure you request Rockerbox texts for your classes and contribute ideas and articles of your own. This might include requests or contributions for:

- Local events or histories

- Special interest topics

- Curriculum topics

Reading enjoyment and motivation is really personal so try out these strategies and let us know how we can best support you!