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As a Curriculum Associate at Read Naturally, I have the privilege of working in reading labs at local schools we partner with. These experiences have been incredibly enlightening in so many ways, but one of my most significant takeaways is witnessing how deeply students yearn for success in reading.

One memorable experience was at a dual-language school where I used Read Naturally Live—Español to support students' Spanish reading skills. A few weeks into the program, a responsible 5th-grade student asked if she could use the program at home, in addition to using it in the Read Live Lab. I trusted her to complete the student-independent steps with fidelity, so I agreed but explained she’d need to wait for our in-school sessions to do the hot timing with me in person.

Eager to practice more, she asked what else she could do at home. I reminded her that once she reached the pass step, she could play Wordtastic to enhance her vocabulary. I also mentioned that Read Live offers a fully student-independent program, One Minute Reader Live, but it was designed for English reading. Not a problem! She wanted to improve her English-reading skills as well and excitedly asked for access to that program. I showed her how to access One Minute Reader Live, and she quickly began passing stories on her own time.

Not long after, she came to me with a proposition—she asked if she could earn stickers for completing One Minute Reader Live stories, just as she did with Read Naturally Live—Español. (I use a sticker sheet system to motivate students to pass more stories and to be more careful on the quiz.) Of course, I was more than happy to barter stickers for more time spent reading! I immediately set her up with a second sticker sheet for her One Minute Reader Live stories, which soon caught the envious eyes of her peers, who all requested access to One Minute Reader Live and additional sticker sheets for themselves.

I truly appreciate the impact of stickers and peer influence as motivators, but I know that the biggest motivator at play is something that doesn't require any effort on my part to foster (if only just a little to guide them to understand): the intrinsic desire to be a successful reader. All my students understand the importance of reading. They’ve experienced the anxiety of being asked to read aloud in class, the challenge of selecting a book for independent reading time, and the frustration of deciphering classroom assignments. They know that Read Live helps them to minimize these pains, so they want to use it. I frequently receive their excited comments about how much they’ve improved, how they love reading now, or how they’re no longer afraid to read in front of their class.

In fact, they’re often so proud of their progress (and let’s be honest, the cool information they learn from the stories) that they spread the word about how great the Read Live lab is to their peers—on several occasions, their classmates who don’t qualify for intervention have asked if they could please join the Read Live lab too. I guess that just means it’s time to talk to the principal about giving all students access to One Minute Reader Live!