Language Magazine – Erin Bailey
“Why is engagement important? Reading engagement and motivation are strongly related to reading achievement (Wigfield & Guthrie, 2000). Increased volume in reading is correlated with improved oral language skills, spelling, comprehension, and general academic outcomes (Mol & Bus, 2011). Children are most likely to be motivated to read books that they have selected themselves (Fisher & Frey, 2018). For example, Edmunds and Bauserman (2010) found that 84% of children they interviewed talked about books that they selected themselves versus books that were assigned to them. In addition, Guthrie et al. (2007) demonstrate that book choice creates readers that are more intrinsically motivated to read. These elements are key to RIF’s flagship reading program, Books for Ownership, and the other programs and literacy resources RIF offers in communities nationwide. ” (more)