The Missing Piece in Reading Instruction: Motivation (with Behind the Book’s Anmarie Paul)
Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning
What if the biggest gap in reading instruction isn’t phonics or fluency — but motivation?
Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor sits down with Anmarie Paul, Executive Director of Behind the Book, to explore how intrinsic motivation, belonging, student choice, and joyful literacy experiences help children become lifelong readers.
Together, they unpack how Science of Reading practices and reading engagement strategies must work together because children don’t just need to learn how to read, they need to want to read.
From expressive read-alouds to author visits, STEM-literacy integration, and identity-centered storytelling, this conversation offers practical insights for educators, librarians, parents, school leaders, and literacy advocates.
Episode Chapters
- 00:00 Motivation and Reading Instruction
- 04:14 Read Alouds That Build Engagement and Fluency
- 08:34 How Behind the Book Builds Reading Motivation
- 15:30 Literacy, STEM, and Creative Learning
- 18:40 Author Visits and Student Belonging
- 24:55 Leadership in Literacy and Youth Development
- 29:28 The Future of Reading: Engagement Meets Science of Reading
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why intrinsic motivation is critical to reading success
- How read alouds improve fluency, comprehension, and connection
- What makes literacy programs truly engaging for students
- How belonging and representation impact reading identity
- Ways to combine Science of Reading + engagement-based practices
- How literacy, STEM, creativity, and storytelling intersect
- Strategies for building sustainable reading ecosystems
🔗 Learn More & Get Involved
- Behind the Book: https://www.behindthebook.org
- Follow Behind the Book on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
- Download the Adventures in Learning 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud Calendar
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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
