Building motivation to read and a culture of readers!
Children want to learn to read and their teachers want to teach them to read.
High quality materials in the hands of children is one of the single best ways to motivate young children to read. In a country like Malawi, where drop out rates are high, it is important that young readers are properly motivated to attend school. Children's general excitement and attitude toward the high quality reading materials provided through the Read Malawi program contributes to not only their motivation but to the success of their schools as a whole.
During instruction that involved the Read Malawi books learners could be found laughing and talking excitedly with those around them, an indication of interest and engagement in the materials being presented. They would eagerly raise their hands and engage in group discussion over multiple aspects of the Read Malawi books. In addition, children could be seen walking into class with their books in hand, a sign of how the Read Malawi program has extended beyond the school and into community. Not only are the books being used in the classroom, but they are also being taken home and shared with other members of their household.
The desire and motivation that children possess to interact with the Read Malawi books is indicative of their quality. Schools have seen in increase in attendance and classrooms that are filled with laughter, excitement, interest, motivation, and learning. The knowledge being created within these classrooms is then being transported to the community, further developing a culture of reading.
