Readers read for a variety of purposes. Some read for pleasure and escapism; others read only to meet a specific information need. Then there are those students who will never voluntarily pick up a book. The teacher-librarian has a critical role in supporting the avid reader, encouraging reluctant reader, and nurturing the unskilled reader.
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| Do you recognize these types of readers in your school? |
Enthusiastic Reader |
- loves to read; intrinsically motivated
- reads independently
- reads for pleasure and for information
- has favourite authors, series, and genres
- has above average reading skills
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Casual Reader |
- reads for a purpose such as an assignment or specific information need
- will occasionally read for pleasure
- would read more if encouraged
- has average reading skills
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Reluctant Reader |
- can read but does not enjoy reading
- usually finds an excuse to avoid reading such as playing video games
- needs encouragement to read
- has good to average reading skills
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Unskilled Reader |
- struggles with reading and the conventions of text
- does not like to read
- tends to read word-by-word; loses comprehension
- has poor reading skills
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The Reader's Bill of Rights
The right not to read.
The right to skip pages.
The right to not finish.
The right to reread.
The right to read anything.
The right to escapism.
The right to read anywhere.
The right to browse.
The right to read out loud.
The right to not defend
your tastes.
-- Daniel Pennac
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Beers, Kylene. When Kids Can't Read, What Teachers Can Do: A Guide for Teachers: A Guide
for Teachers 6-12. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2003.
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