HIT:GEN,SEC:Reluctant Readers

[Susan Shishido <susans@KALAMA.DOE.HAWAII.EDU>]

     I received alot of requests to share ideas regarding service to
reluctant highschool readers.Thank you to all who shared these ideas with
me!
-Booktalk in the classrooms.
-Purchase all titles from the Reluctant reader list for YA(ALA)
-Check Perma Bound catalogs/Econo-Clad catalogs .(Smaller books are
perceived as being easier.)
-Do a 1 period orientation & introduce them to the library resources and
the library's services. Allow students to use library before, after
school and during lunch without passes.  If you make them feel welcome
they will come!
-Boys go for sports biographies.  Both sexes like nonfiction books about
teen problems and teenage legal rights.
-Displays!  Make the connection between what they already do
read(i.e.magazines & comics...also nonfiction) & the books teachers &
media specialists typically consider "reading"(i.e. novels)
-Read Gary Paulsen books aloud.  High school students love to be read
to.  The short chapters make these books perfect for that!
-Put puzzles, brainteazers around circulation desk.  Three puzzles are
put out each week & gr. 7-12 love them!
-Try to schedule an activity each day during lunch. One day could be game
day, another day could be video day etc.
-Order highschool fiction mostly in paperback.
-Push SSR & schedule regular visits for whole classes to come in & find
new books to read.
-Some popular authors for reluctant readers: R.L. Stine, Lois Duncan,
Joan Nixon Lowery, Chris Crutcher, Richard Peck, S.E. Hinton, Stephen
King, Dean Koontz, Lurlene McDaniel, E.A. Poe, Bill Sleator, Marilyn
Sachs, Sweet Valley High Series.
-Electronic Bookshelf was recommended.

Aloha!
Susan Shishido
King Kekaulike High
Pukalani, Maui Hi. 96768
susans@kalama.doe.Hawaii.Edu