3 Easy Ways to Develop a Love of Stories

We work really hard to deliver the most effective literacy instruction to our students. Using the techniques based in the science of reading has been a game changer! We know better and we are doing better for our students....but we can't forget to build the love and interest of reading. This starts with a love of stories FIRST.

Building a love of stories and storytelling promotes a love of books and reading. It seems so simple, but I'm not just talking about reading aloud a lot (although that's important too). I challenge you to be more strategic and deliberate in how you build a love of stories. Here are some simple and effective ways to get your students to ASK for stories and TALK about them outside of the classroom.

Being deliberate means that you have to take an active role in knowing what your students like. Take notes and ask questions. Every class is different and just because last year's class couldn't get enough of The Magic Treehouse doesn't mean that this class will love it too....they may, but if you share it pay attention. This doesn't mean you shouldn't share a variety of texts! All I'm saying is to indulge interests where possible to help foster further excitement in STORIES. Believe me, this will lead to more interest in other text!

Apply the same strategy to your classroom library. Giving students choice is a very powerful motivator and can be a game changer in the classroom. When students feel like they are part of a community, they take more ownership. Take the time to develop that community, it will pay off.

Outside of choice, modeling is one of the most powerful tools to build relationships and trust in the classroom. You are the influencer in your classroom, use it wisely. Model what you want to see reflected in your students.

A love of stories will stay with students for the rest of their lives. The act of reading is important, but understanding how to decode alone is not enough to motivate students to read. Teach them logistically how to read and unlock words, but also teach them what stories can bring to your LIFE and you'll give them a magic combination!

Thank You!

Kristin

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