Do you know of children who do not like movies? I do not. Do you know of children who do not like to read? I do! In fact, over the course of twenty-two years in education, I have run across many children who say they do not like to read.
We know there are many contributing factors regarding children’s dislikes for reading. However, this blog post will not focus on the reasons children do not like to read; but rather an approach to motivating children to read that is fun and entertaining.
Reading a book prior to seeing the movie of the same title can inspire children to read. This is a great way to engage children while learning. Choose a book of interest for your child and to stimulate their excitement for the upcoming read, check to see if there is a book trailer available. Thereafter and throughout the reading, indulge in meaningful, but short discussions about the book.
After reading, watch the movie and at the movie’s end, take the time to discuss it. For example, compare and contrast the movie and the book. Were there less or extra characters in the movie compared to the book? If so, name these characters. Did the plot change? If yes, what were the changes? Did the setting of the movie change? If yes, describe the changes. Did you envision the characters from the book as depicted in the movie? Describe how you imagined the characters to look. These questions help children to increase their critical thinking skills while discussing thoughts and opinions about the movie. However, interact with your child in a natural conversational tone that continues the excitement of having read the book and watching the movie.
I wish for every child, the enjoyment of reading!
Book/Movie Recommendations:
Picture Books:
The Ant Bully by John Nickle The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
Eloise at the Plaza by Kay Thompson The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Chapter Books:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Holes by Louis Sachar
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowel
Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald
Thanks for stopping by and I invite you to join me week after next as I continue to explore literacy topics and issues affecting children.
Vanessa Fortenberry,
Teacher-Librarian
M.Ed., Media
Ed.S., Media
Reading Endorsement