5 Proven Ways to Engage Students in Great Literature

What's your favorite book? You've already thought of a response, haven't you?

Not so with many children (although if you press and urge, you usually can persuade them to give you something). The problem is, that we know that outstanding literature of all ages and genres exists, with plots, characters, and themes that will appeal to and astonish everyone. But how do we persuade the youngsters to come without being forced? That's the billion-dollar question, isn't it?

The added complexity for every educator is the issue of how our kids are required to access text nowadays, which adds another layer of difficulty. The fact is, active engagement with the text is beneficial to every reader. Deeply comprehending a fantastic book, unraveling its dimensions of meaning, and perhaps tapping into some fundamental personal significance, is an exciting experience. Bibliophiles understand this, but it's also true for everyone.

For example, you want to discuss Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds in class. It's a great book, and you're passionate about it. You think your students will love it too. But how do you ensure they engage with it? How to make sure that they won't just google for Long Way Down Jason Reynolds summary - you can engage them with interactive tasks from storyboardthat.com and get them involved in the lesson summarizing the book.

So, how do we promote this love of reading and get our students to see literature as something other than a school assignment? Here are five ways:

Encourage Student Choice in Reading Material

What’s the best way to get someone interested in something? Make it their idea in the first place. When students are given a choice in the books they read, they are more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic. This is the time to let them explore different genres and authors, find new favorites, and develop their own identities as readers.

There are a few different ways to let students choose their own books. One is to create a classroom library with a variety of books at different reading levels. Students can then browse the library and choose a book that interests them. Another option is to have students do a literature survey where they search different books and authors. No matter what method you use, remember to let them have the final say in what they read. It’s their reading experience after all!

Make Connections Between Texts and Student Interests

Once you know what your students are interested in, help them find books that connect to those interests. If they like sports, there are tons of great novels and memoirs about athletes and the world of sports. If they’re interested in fashion, point them towards books set in the industry or featuring fashionable characters. The more connections students make between their reading life and their real life, the more they’ll see the value in what they’re reading.

Encourage Active Reading Strategies

When students are given opportunities to interact with the text, they’re more likely to engage with it on a deeper level. Active reading strategies could include note-taking, journaling, discussion, and even simple things like highlighting or underlining. These strategies help students to process the text, think about its implications and connect it to their own lives and experiences.

Provide Opportunities for Creativity

One of the best ways to get students interested in a text is to let them be creative with it. This could mean anything from writing their own endings to the story or creating a project that demonstrates their understanding of the characters or themes. When students are given the chance to be creative, they’re more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic about the text.

Make Literature a Part of Their Everyday Life

The best way to get students interested in literature is to make it a part of their everyday life. This means creating a classroom environment that is rich in literature, incorporating books into daily lessons and discussions, and modeling a love of reading for your students. When literature is a part of their everyday life, students are more likely to see its value and be engaged with it.

These are just a few ways to get students interested in literature. Of course, there are more of them and it is extremely effective to use them in the complex. The most important thing is to let your students know that you believe in their ability to engage with great literature and that you are there to support them in that journey.