One of the biggest challenges in teaching English in primary school is maintaining student motivation, especially when it comes to developing reading comprehension. In a recent survey we launched at Milton Education, the most common answer to the question “What is your biggest challenge in teaching English?” was clear: motivation.
With that being said, we’re sharing 5 effective strategies to encourage reading in English in the classroom, in a natural, fun and meaningful way.
1. Create authentic moments of reading
Reading should not feel like an obligation, but rather an opportunity to discover, imagine and connect. Design special moments in the classroom where reading is a relaxed, no-pressure experience. You can accompany reading with soft music, soft lights or even a “magic box” of books.
2. Choose readings that connect with their interests
Not all books are equally liked, and in primary school this is even more noticeable. It is key to offer materials adapted to the linguistic and cognitive level of the students, with attractive themes, eye-catching illustrations and short but rich texts. In addition, it is important that the readings reflect the diversity of the classroom and offer varied perspectives: stories with characters that represent different realities, family contexts, abilities and backgrounds. This not only encourages an emotional connection with what they read, but also fosters empathy and respect from an early age.
3. Accompany each reading with an experience
Pair stories and texts with games, dramatizations, challenges or crafts. In this way, reading becomes the starting point of a broader experience that involves body, emotion and thought.
4. Encourage critical thinking and expression
After reading, propose open-ended questions:
- What would you have done if you were the protagonist?
- How do you think the character felt?
- Can you think of an alternative ending?
These questions not only improve comprehension, but also invite students to express themselves in English in a more personal and meaningful way.
5. Use Read & Play
At Milton Education we have created Read & Play, a program designed to awaken a taste for reading in English from an early age. It combines illustrated stories, multisensory activities and interactive games that encourage:
- Reading comprehension
- Oral and written expression
- Critical thinking
- Collaborative work
All within a motivating environment that puts students at the center of learning.
The key to motivating students to read in English is to make reading a lively, playful experience that is connected to their reality. With the right strategies and resources like Read & Play, the classroom can be transformed into a space where reading in English is not only possible, but exciting.