Inspire Independent Middle School Readers

“All children, except one, grow up.” ― J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan

While many of my school assembly programs are geared towards elementary school-aged children, I have also developed variations of my assemblies specifically for middle schoolers. Most people think high school was the “worst time” of his or her life, but if you think about it, middle school was probably just as challenging. Not just in regards to social development but literacy development as well. It’s in middle school that we begin to challenge students in order to elevate them to a more mature level, and prepare them for the intricacies of high school and the “real world.”

Reading proficiency is vital at this stage because it’s an essential skill both in and out of the classroom. The main problems are not every child is at the same reading level, nor do all children learn at the same rate, nor do they all have the same level of support to encourage reading at home. As a result, some kids excel while others fall behind.

Encourage Reading and Improve Literacy Skills

Reading recreationally can help to reinforce literacy skills and assist with reading comprehension in other subjects, such as social studies, science, and math. Here are some easy tips to help improve reading habits among your middle schoolers:

Expand Their Vocabulary

English is a melting pot of different languages and a result, we’re left with thousands and thousands of words. Authors may choose to stick with a basic vernacular but as children reach for newer, more mature books, they will no doubt stumble upon words they don’t know or understand. But this is a good thing! It gives students an opportunity to ask questions and practice reading comprehension by examining nearby language for context clues.

Help students expand their vocabularly by encouraging them to ask questions or having them make a list of words they don’t understand. Students can then lookup their definitions online or in a dictionary! Make it fun by picking a “Word of the Day” or creating a classroom dictionary for words that multiple students struggle to define. You can also use flashcards, fill-in-the-blank activities, or these vocabulary mini games to make learning new words exciting and memorable!

Transform Into A Reading Role Model

The easiest way for students to develop a habit of reading is to be a reader yourself, and ask parents to model reading for fun. Children mimic what they see. When a child––even a pre-teen––sees their mom or dad sit down with a book, it may inspire them to do the same. As a teacher, pick up a book while your students take tests or as they come back from lunch. Ask parents to read at home. Encourage group discussions. Start a classroom library of your students’ favorite books. Design a chart for them to recommend books to their friends. The possibilities are endless!

Let Your Students Pick

Does this tip sound familiar? That’s because the same tip can be applied to reading aloud to younger children! Children enjoy themselves more when they don’t feel forced. Let students pick their own books to read. This allows them to choose diversified topics that resinate with them. Students at a higher reading level can pick more advanced books. For students who aren’t as fond of reading or who struggle with reading comprehensions, suggest graphic novels as a compelling alternative.

Read Aloud

Practice makes perfect. In-class readings give you the opportunity to let students “drive the bus.” Invite your students to read a page or two. Let students act out their favorite scenes. Some may be nervous at first but the more students read aloud, the easier it will become for them, thus boosting their confidence in their own reading ability.

Start A Creative Writing Program or Club

Let your students put their reading comprehension skills to the test by inviting them to craft alternative endings to their favorite books or to write their own short stories. Students can show off their new vocabulary skills and create characters that reflect their own personal hopes and dreams for the future.

I Love To Read…and So Will Your Students

In my “I Love To Read” assembly program, I highlight not only how useful reading is in daily life but also how necessary it is to have a rewarding and fulfilling life. This assembly teaches middle schoolers different genres of books, the difference between non-fiction and fiction, biographies and autobiographies, the functions of punctuation, and so much more!