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Using High-Interest Materials to Engage Secondary Students in Reading

Abstract

Secondary students with reading difficulties usually avoid reading, which contributes to their lack of academic success. This article describes a unit in which students read a play and a story that included scenes of courtroom drama. The students were highly interested in the reading, in using newspaper articles and online resources to get additional information, and in producing reports with presentation software. Their motivation led to more reading and writing as they expressed a desire to read more “real stuff.”


Introduction

The Unit


  • Erie Jury

  • A Guide to California Jury Service

  • Table 1
    KWL Chart Related to Students’ Reading About Juries


    Table 2
    Sample Daily Notetaking From Reading of Twelve Angry Men


    Figure 1
    Summary Sheet Showing One Student’s Achievement on Unit Activities for One Week


    A Follow-Up Unit


    What Was Gained?


    References