Why Johnny Won’t Read: Summary

So in case you’re only skimming these blogs, here’s the bottom line:

 Students do better on any kind of assessment if they actually do the reading (no duh)

Honors and AP students (the top third) read more than academic students.

·       Academic students (the middle third) read more than general students.  

·       General students (the bottom third) are reluctant to read anything that is assigned, especially if it’s too long, too hard, or too boring.

·       Students are more apt to read something that’s easier than something that’s harder.  In fact, if text is too difficult, students will not read.

·       Students are more apt to read something shorter than something that is too long.

·       As students get older, they become more aware of SparkNotes.  However, not all students rely on SparkNotes.

o   General students: No thanks.

o   Honors students: Will use to double check their understanding.

o   Academic students: Yes please.

 By the way, if you want a quick way to double-check these observations, take a look at another Youtube video produced by Penny Kittle who taught English at Kennett High School in North Conway, New Hampshire.