What role does motivation play in reading development?

Motivation plays a pivotal role in reading development because it directly influences a student's engagement and persistence with reading activities. When students are motivated, they are more likely to choose to read independently, seek out reading materials, and invest time in practice, which is crucial for developing reading skills. Motivated readers are also more resilient in facing challenges they might encounter while reading, such as difficult texts or unfamiliar vocabulary, leading to increased comprehension and fluency over time.

In addition, motivation can enhance a student's overall enjoyment of reading, turning it from a chore into a pleasurable activity. This enjoyment can foster a lifelong love of reading, further supporting academic success across disciplines. Thus, understanding and enhancing student motivation is essential for effective reading instruction and literacy development.