Beating the Odds

Experts say that the third grade is a kind of tipping point for reading.

The research is clear: if children cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade, they face daunting hurdles to success in school and beyond. (“10 Staggering Statistics About Struggling Readers and Reading Growth” Read the whole report from SchoolLeadersNow)

The research is clear: if children cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade, they face daunting hurdles to success in school and beyond.

Motivation is key if reluctant readers are going to get over this third-grade hurdle, but how do parents, teachers, and others who care go about it? What can we do to motivate students and scooch them along to becoming proficient readers?

We are happy to report the start of Muffin 2, the next phase of The Muffin Project, an effort spearheaded by M.C. Tillson that seeks to motivate young readers by combining a visit from the author with a copy of her book for each student in the classroom. The idea is that if you give a reluctant reader a book that’s fun to read and a chance to meet the person who wrote it, then the student might be motivated to read the next book in the series…and maybe the next one.

To learn more about Muffin 2 and how to donate, click here. And if you know a classroom that would like a visit, please contact M.C. Tillson directly.