Are Your Students Losing Interest During Reading Time?

Here’s What Worked for Me!

As special education teachers, we all know those moments when our lessons don't go as planned—and sometimes, those moments lead to unexpected, but rewarding outcomes. I recently had an experience with my students that reminded me of the importance of being flexible and thinking outside the box when it comes to engaging our learners.

Let me share a story that might sound familiar.

During a routine reading group with my 3rd to 5th graders, I noticed that one of my usually attentive students seemed distracted, staring out the window and fidgeting in his seat. Sensing something was off, I paused the lesson and gently asked if everything was okay. His response caught me by surprise: “Mrs. M., why can’t we read about things that are actually interesting?”

His honesty made me pause and think. He was right—our reading materials weren’t grabbing his attention. Instead of sticking to my original plan, I decided to switch things up. I asked the group what kinds of topics they would enjoy reading about. Immediately, the atmosphere in the room changed. My students started sharing their favorite topics—everything from superheroes and video games to popular athletes and unusual animals.

That evening, I decided to take their interests to heart. I created a set of reading passages based on the topics they had mentioned, specifically designed to spark their curiosity and keep them engaged. When I introduced these new materials the next day, the transformation was remarkable. My students were not only more focused but also genuinely excited about reading. They were asking questions, participating eagerly, and even asking for more passages on their favorite subjects.

Seeing this positive change inspired me to share these passages with my colleagues. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—teachers were using these materials to engage reluctant readers, as rewards for good behavior, for independent reading, and in small groups. It was clear that when students are interested in what they're reading, their engagement and enthusiasm skyrocket.

I wanted to share this experience with you because it underscores the power of tapping into our students' interests to develop a love of learning. When we take the time to listen to what excites them and incorporate those topics into our lessons, we can make a real difference. If you’re looking for ways to make reading more engaging for your students, try exploring what they’re truly interested in and integrating those topics into your classroom.

If you decide to use the reading passages I created, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Let’s continue to support and inspire each other on this journey of teaching and learning.