William F. Natale Jr.
The Greek and Roman myths can also be used for extrinsic motivation, I have found that some children are influenced favorably by keeping a record of the books they have read.
This extrinsic motivation is educationally justifiable but teachers must remember its limitations, It can work for only a limited time, While it is being used and while it is serving as an ego satisfaction for the child, the real aim is to have the child develop a love for reading which in time becomes the reward itself.
16
Some extrinsic motivators that can be used are sailboats, swords, lightning bolts, shields, and sea monsters made of construction payer, which can be added after the child’s name on a chart for each book that he has read. Or, when a book is read, a tag, containing the title, author, and child’s name can be placed on the wall under a poster of one of the Greek gods.
It is also possible to use file cards containing book summaries which are accessible to the child and which contain classmates’ comments or reactions to the book read. Another pupil’s recommendation is a thousand times more valuable than the teacher’s recommendation.
A “Book of the Week Club” can prove to be a very popular activity in a sixth grade class. The club members are encouraged to read books during the week. On Thursday, after school, they select a “Book of the Week.” One child goes to the office on friday to talk to the entire school over the public address system about the book. The student announces the title and author, then gives a summary of what the book is about.