From: Lauren Norton <norton>
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 11:57:50 -0500

I am a K Media Specialist. We have had various motivational reading programs over the 20 years I have been here. For the last 5 years we have used Reading Counts which levels readers and provides quizzes to test comprehension. We do give prizes but for the most part they are book related.

I have the same mixed feelings about their motivation to read as I have heard on this listserve. I do see many children who are reluctant readers find the motivation to read because of the success they experience. This success comes because they are reading books at their level. Some of them really take off.

On the other hand even though most teachers keep RC as a voluntary reading program, the avid readers that want the prizes will only pick up Reading Counts books. I try to reach some of those kids with book discussion groups and WEMA's Battle of the Books program.

When my son was young his motivation came from the desire to stay up another half hour. That time was granted if he was reading. Then it turned into a habit that continued until college. Hopefully it will return once the reading load diminishes. My husbands motivation came because of his mother strategically placing reading materials, namely the bathroom. Motivation comes from many places and in different ways and I guess my goal is to provide several opportunities for kids to develop a love of reading.

The whole question of reading motivation--especially intrinisc motivation is one that I am interested in and glad to see discussed.

Lauren Norton, Media Specialist Green Lake, WI
Received on Thu 14 Oct 2004 11:57:50 AM CDT