Lifelong reading habits in English

Reading is one of the four skills needed to acquire a language. It gives the students input in spelling and strengthens other areas such as vocabulary, grammar or culture. In an academic environment, there are several techniques and strategies we can teach pupils in order to learn how to work with that information, like skimming and scanning; but we, as teachers, should also focus on the pleasure of reading itself. 

Learning a language is not always easy, and that is why it is important to make it attractive and interesting for the student. If the students´ enjoy what they’re reading, although it would continue to be a challenge for them, at least they wouldn’t feel it was an obligation forced upon them.  They will automatically want to improve and will become interested in reading, expanding their knowledge and creativity (essential for the use and creation of the language). Now, our role as teachers can provide us with resources to motivate them to read (extrinsic motivation like giving a reward for every book they read), but for the acquisition of these habits there must be an intrinsic motivation, where the students can find an incentive in the way that they learn by themselves.  

In Luyferivas we know the importance of this, so we provide and facilitate the access of our students to a lot of books in English through library corners in the classes, where they can share and read their own books and, as of a few weeks ago, the new school library. This space is for all the kids who want to be member of the library from 3rd grade onwards and it gives them access to a great variety of books for all ages and levels. Furthermore, we try to give the students some time to read individually or read them a story.