Students will investigate the essential question, “What motivates students to read, and how can we use what we learn to increase literacy across our school?” They will read and discuss varied literary and informational texts, gather and analyze schoolwide data, and design an evidence-based literacy initiative. Older reading buddies, teachers, local authors, and bookstore staff will lead read-alouds, recommend engaging titles, and share insights about reading motivation. Weekly reflection circles will help students assess changes in their reading habits, confidence, collaboration, and sense of belonging.

Students will read and comprehend grade-appropriate literature and informational texts, using evidence to identify factors that motivate readers. They will collect and analyze student feedback, then collaborate to design strategies that increase reading engagement and literacy across the school. Through read-alouds and book talks with older reading buddies, teachers, local authors, and bookstore staff, students will practice attentive listening, clear speaking, shared decision-making, and purposeful book recommendations. In weekly reflection circles, students will use peer and teacher feedback to assess changes in their reading habits, confidence, belonging, and progress toward answering the essential question.

Students will create and analyze a schoolwide reading-motivation survey, then develop reader profiles and evidence-based book recommendation lists using grade-appropriate literature and informational texts. They will maintain reading records and produce weekly reflection-circle summaries about changes in their habits, confidence, and sense of belonging. With older reading buddies, teachers, local authors, and bookstore staff, teams will co-create read-alouds, book talks, and displays featuring engaging titles. The final product will be a student-led literacy campaign and presentation answering what motivates students to read and recommending practical ways to increase reading across the school.

Launch with a “Reading Discovery Festival” where students rotate through read-alouds and book talks led by older reading buddies, classroom teachers, a local author, and bookstore staff. At each station, students sample grade-appropriate stories, poetry, drama, and informational texts, then record which features sparked their interest. Teams compare their observations and generate initial ideas around the question, “What motivates students to read, and how can we use what we learn to increase literacy across our school?” Close with the first reflection circle, inviting students to discuss their reading habits, confidence, sense of belonging, and a personal reading goal.

Host a schoolwide “Reading Motivation Expo” where student teams present survey findings, reading reflections, and evidence-based recommendations for increasing literacy. Teams can lead interactive genre stations, book talks, and read-alouds featuring grade-level literature and informational texts alongside older reading buddies, classroom teachers, local authors, and bookstore staff. Visitors can identify what motivates them to read and vote on student proposals, such as book clubs, displays, or peer recommendation systems. Students close with a reflection circle about changes in their reading habits, confidence, and belonging, then explain how their work answers: “What motivates students to read, and how can we use what we learn to increase literacy across our school?”