Motivation

     In the article "Assessing Motivation To Read", the authors recognized what teachers already know - we must motivate our students to read. In fact, motivation is a big concern because of the correlation between motivation and academic success. If a child cannot read, he/she cannot be completely successful in other subject areas. The study indicated that teachers need to learn more about what makes children become motivated. Why do some children have that desire to read not only assigned work, but read for personal enjoyment. It is likely that  motivation is  influenced by the expectation of success.  If a child and/or his family places a value on being successful, then he will do his best to become successful. The study even  suggests that students who believe they  are competent readers will perform well. If a student places a value on reading, then he becomes a stakeholder in his own destiny. These student do not have to be prodded to pick up a book. They become readers who enjoy reading for  knowledge and information and most of all for pleasure which in turns encourages further reading. The problem is with readers who lack motivation. We as teachers must continue to seek ways to motivate our students who are poor readers to read. We must show them the treasures that are found in books!