There are many interests I have concerning the education of children. One that makes a high mark on the list is how to teach Millennials. There are so many articles about how they act, what they like to do best, and how to teach them. The article, Social Reading: Promoting Reading in the Millennial Learner, by Preddy (2009) describes a couple of strategies a school librarian can do to keep them reading by basing them around socialization.
Millennials are known best for socializing and multitasking. They talk on the phone while blogging, talk to others while on Twitter or texting, and watch movies while talking on the phone and texting. Also, for this and all generations, finding time to read is imperative for students, but very difficult with busy schedules tasked from school and home. School librarians need to create a plan to form reading into a social activity because of this.
There is a correlation between reading literature for pleasure and education and income levels as well as literacy, work fulfillment, educational success, and lifetime income (Preddy 2007). It also improves students’ attitudes toward reading, comprehension and standardized tests. Practice makes perfect for gaining skills, doing it well, and establishing a habit. Finding time to read is first. A school can find just 15 to 20 minutes in the school day to read for students to read for pleasure, and it will help them immensely. A teacher and school librarian can promote reading at home with a reading log outside of the traditional school day, among many other programs.
The school librarian, teachers, and parents need to make a habit to talk, blog, Tweet, and use other social media outlets to share information and express interests and matters about a book they are currently reading with the students as much as they do television shows, movies, games, or entertainment blogs. Showing that reading matters by actually reading is better and more effective than simply saying that it is. They all need to be role models. School librarians and teachers can begin the class by saying something interesting about their current book, reading snippets of something that was alluring, amusing, valuable, uplifting, informative, or just fun. There could be a currently reading sign on the doors of all the staff, and they could make it a habit of carrying a book around with them to remind students that an effective reader keeps reading material with every where.
Preddy (2009) explains that students want a roller coaster in the classroom every day. She suggests developing or purchasing board games that require students to discuss books they are reading as they play. A reader’s café is also an idea for students to go and eat, hang out, and read outside of school hours and at lunch. Booktalks and reading recommendations have always been in the school library program, as well as involving the students with creating their own. Holding a reading night where students and a significant adult read the same book before the event, then at the night of the program, play games, make crafts, and have other activities to celebrate the book is also a great way to promote reading. Virtual book clubs are also important as students of the millennial generation are tech savvy and are always plugged in anyway.
Preteens and teenagers of all generations want to have some sort of control over their lives, so freedom and opportunities to choose what they read need to occur. One activity I like that Preddy (2009) suggests is to give students three to five books from which to choose for a report on a particular subject, instead of restricting it to only one. Last, the school library needs to be well stocked with an array of up-to-date, motivating reading materials that are current, so the students have access to information and entertainment they enjoy.
Some people are against incentives, but others argue otherwise. A simple smile, words of praise, or a physical reward that students should or need to value can be given after reading a literacy goal or participating in a reading event. Other examples Preddy (2009) gives are passes to the library, extra reading time, a free book, a gift certificate to a local bookstore, and bookmarks.
Learning about generations is so intriguing. I am glad I have the opportunity to research the Millennials and others as the future unfolds. Each has so many incredible aspects to it from which to learn, grow, and help educate. The next generation, Generation Z, will be next on my list to study.
Works Cited
Preddy, Leslie. "Social Reading: Promoting Reading in the Millennial Learner." Social Library Media Activities Monthly XXV.5 (2009): 22-25.
Preddy, Leslie. (2007). SSR with Intervention: A School Library Action Research Project. Libraries Unlimited.