"I Hate Reading": Overcoming Shame in the Reading Classroom

Building relationships and taking deliberate actions to alleviate shame is crucial for helping students who hate reading. Justin Stygles' book provides powerful instructional ideas to help teachers spot distress signals, use assessment instruments, plan mini-units, design small group experiences, and harness writing about reading to convince students of their uniqueness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications Inc

Shame is a powerful emotion that can linger for a lifetime, hindering a reader's ability to engage with literature. However, one great teacher can make a significant difference in helping students overcome their shame and embrace a love for reading. In his book, "I Hate Reading: Strategies to Engage and Motivate Students Who Hate Reading," Justin Stygles draws upon the seminal research of Gershen Kaufman on shame and applies it to his teaching practices.

Stygles recognizes that shame-bound readers crave attention and validation, and he aims to provide them with the support and guidance they need to overcome their fears and develop a lifelong passion for reading. One of the key strategies that Stygles employs is building strong relationships with his students. He creates a safe and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. By demonstrating empathy and understanding, Stygles helps students feel valued and respected, which can be a powerful antidote to shame.

Another important aspect of Stygles's approach is making vulnerability okay. He encourages his students to share their struggles with reading and to recognize that everyone has their own unique challenges and strengths. By embracing vulnerability, students can build confidence and develop a sense of ownership over their learning journey.

Stygles also provides his students with powerful instructional ideas to help them overcome their shame and engage with literature. He teaches them to spot the distress signals that often accompany shame, such as withdrawal, perfectionism, and compliance. By recognizing these signals, Stygles can intervene early and provide support and guidance to students who are struggling.

One of the most effective strategies that Stygles employs is using assessment instruments to note and celebrate incremental change. He recognizes that reading is a process, and that progress can be made even with small steps. By providing feedback on students' progress, Stygles helps them see that they are not permanently locked out of a reading life and that they can make meaningful strides with dedication and effort.

Stygles also plans mini-units that develop skills in concert with engagement. He recognizes that reading is not just about reading words on a page but also about developing critical thinking skills, empathy, and creativity. By integrating these skills into his teaching, Stygles helps students see the value and relevance of reading in their lives.

In addition, Stygles designs small group experiences that are free of levels and other shame-inducing labels. He believes that every student has unique strengths and interests, and that it is important to provide opportunities for students to work together and support each other. By creating a community of learners, Stygles helps students build confidence and develop a sense of belonging.

Stygles also harnesses writing about reading to convince students of their uniqueness. He recognizes that writing is a powerful tool for self-expression and self-discovery, and that it can help students connect with literature on a deeper level. By encouraging students to write about their reading experiences, Stygles helps them develop a sense of ownership over their learning and build confidence in their abilities.

The shame factor is a real issue that affects many students, and it is time that we meet it head-on with innovation and the best thinking from multiple research fields. "I Hate Reading: Strategies to Engage and Motivate Students Who Hate Reading" is a valuable tool that provides teachers with the strategies and resources they need to help students overcome their shame and embrace a love for reading. By building strong relationships, making vulnerability okay, using assessment instruments to celebrate incremental change, planning mini-units that develop skills in concert with engagement, designing small group experiences that are free of levels and labels, and harnessing writing about reading to convince students of their uniqueness, teachers can help their students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 190 x 525 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781071844823