Why Zinc?
Comprehension rests on the foundational elements of reading: hearing the words in your head (decoding), and knowing what they mean (fluency).
But even if your students know the meanings of the words and can sound them out, too often their comprehension fails. They grasp at partial understandings, and their guesses drive them further from the author's intended meaning.
You could skip ahead and talk about metaphors. But your lesson will go so much better if your students comprehend the text—and you'll be giving them the gift of advanced reading for life!
How do you do it? Zinc gets everyone on the same page about what to do when reading.
The 21st Century Attention Environment
Reading will never compete with screens for ease. It's harder and, especially at first, puts many demands on the mind. Extrinsic factors ("This will count for your grade!") prove insufficient to motivate us to conquer these mental challenges.
But reading is much more rewarding. By alleviating many of the painful side effects of screens, the effort of reading delivers profound satisfactions. It offers a source of meaning and pride.
What Really Motivates Teens
In his recent bestseller, 10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People, David Yeager, a researcher at the University of Texas, identifies the fundamental social-emotional shifts that drive teen behavior. Yeager identifies these key needs of kids ages 10 to 25:
Status and respect
When students grow as readers, they are less likely to sit silently in the corner. Suddenly, they have ideas and their hands are in the air!
Socially rewarding experiences
By building deeper comprehension and understanding of what they are reading, students are more empowered to impactfully engage in classroom conversations.
Autonomy and authority
Choice drives your students’ Zinc content as they are offered a variety of high-interest topics cultivated to build reading joy.
Pride
Students are celebrated with badges, points, and added features throughout their Zinc Journey.
The bottom line for teens?
No matter how many likes you get for your new haircut, reading a book—an achievement you worked at—fills a deeper need.