Students are often very unmotivated and reluctant to learn.  How enthusiastic a teacher is can influence a student's motivation to learn. 

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Here are a few things I've learned in my own classroom:

-Kids LOVE watching movies, especially movies based on books.  Sometimes they won't even know the movies are based on a book, but they'll love that movie anyway.  When I read a book, then watch the film adaptation of that book, I ALWAYS share the experience with my students.  I will tell them, "the movie was great, but the book was way better!"  Sometimes, the little ones will pick up the book.

-Kids want a concrete rewards system, and they love talking to their teacher about something they love.  For example: a kid reads a book, the teacher and the kid talk about the book, the kid receives a free quiz grade for reading the book and talking to the teacher.

-Reading with expression helps kids to understand literature better.  Expression is invaluable.

-Group projects that include the use of technology are fun and interesting.  For example: your students read The Great Gatsby.  For their project, have the kids join their "reading groups" and create an iMovie news reel about a 1920s current event as one of the characters from the book.  This will help them understand the characters and the context for the movie much better.  

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