Having given my Year 7 and 8 class the Reader Profile Survey, I was fairly taken aback by the results. Taken back, but not necessarily overly surprised.
The graph below shows that over half of my class were not reading a book for enjoyment. While they were having time to read in class, and were doing novel studies at that time (the novel was selected by the student from a range of novels), still only 44% claimed to be reading a book for enjoyment.
After looking at the inquiry written up in a blog by NZ teacher **, this is the one piece of data I am aiming to change initially. Since this survey was completed we have introduced RFE daily and had classroom discussions around that and the data below. We are taking more time in the school library to find 'that' book that will draw them in and make them want to look forward to RFE.
Astoundingly, just over half of the class didn't think that reading books in their own time could help them in any way. (14/27) Unfortunately, but understandably, this pretty well reflects those in the classroom who surpass expectations for reading and those who struggle.
In many of the graphs from the Reader Profile Survey, numbers tied in reasonably consistently across the questions. The students who scored lower on the survey questions (1s and 2s) tended to score lower to all questions, while those who generally scored higher (3s and 4s) consistently scored higher, and probably enjoy a lot more success in reading.
So, as a result of the reading survey I have set myself some goals to achieve. Mainly, to improve the data on the Reader Profile Survey when it is undertaken by my class next, and secondly, to find the drawcard for that group (predominately boys) so they can see reading in a positive, and beneficial way.
This is such an interesting reflection, Sharon. I like your thinking around being taken aback, but not surprised. We know there are a number of learners who just don't have that enjoyment factor when reading, but it's still shocking when reading is so important, and so fun! It sounds like you've got a solid plan moving forward to help your learners discover enjoyment in reading. I think some of the work you've seen on Robyn's blog around getting learners to 'sell' texts to each other can be really useful in getting reluctant readers engaged and motivated, and might help draw your boys in?
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