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Encouraging Reluctant Readers and Avid Readers

At a Texas Library Association Convention in 1999, Kylene Beers of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, University of Houston outlined basic differences between avid and reluctant readers.

These comparisons between avid and reluctant readers may assist when planning literature programs for your students.


Characteristics of Reluctant vs Avid Readers

AVID READERS WANT TO: AVID READERS DO NOT WANT TO:
Choose their own books Write book reports
Have teacher read aloud a few pages Do many art activities
Meet the author Hear the teacher read the entire book aloud
Buy books at a book fair  
Keep a reading journal  
Go to the library  
Participate in panel debates, small discussions or share books with a friend  
RELUCTANT READERS WANT TO: RELUCTANT READERS DO NOT WANT TO:
Choose their own books from a narrowed choice Meet the author
Have teacher read aloud the entire book Buy books a at a book fair
Compare movie to book Go to the library
Read illustrated books Read for a charity
Do art activities based on books Keep a reading journal
Read atypical nonfiction material Participate in panel debates, small group discussions or share books with a friend

Reference: LM_NET Archives 7 May 1999
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