As teachers, we want our students to view reading as a pleasurable experience — not just as something that is required of them.

The following ideas may help in your quest to create that enjoyment.

Offer choices: First, having a classroom library is essential, no matter what subject you teach. But remember that reading is reading; it should not be limited to a certain genre or type of book. Students should have choices — from novels to newspapers to comic books.

Your most reluctant reader may not want to read a chapter book but may love reading a magazine. You want to instill a love for reading, and when a student finds enjoyment with a particular medium or genre, go with it. It may not be long before they want to explore beyond their comfort zone.

Allow your students, to the extent possible, to make choices about where they read as well. Don’t always make them sit at their desks while reading. Maybe students can sit on the floor or in a special reading nook you’ve created. Allow a little flexibility and movement.

Praise effort: As teachers, we encounter a variety of reading levels and abilities. We also encounter children who are very reluctant to read. Whenever a student pushes the envelope or overcomes a hurdle, make sure to offer positive reinforcement. Let them know that you not only notice their actions, but that you are proud of them.

Limit work attached to reading: Ah, the dreaded reading logs and book reports! Consider detaching additional work from reading. When children have to complete an assignment during or after reading, it becomes more work and less fun — and we want students to have fun so they’ll want to do more reading.

Seek out alternatives to book reports: Of course, we can’t always avoid pairing assignments with reading. But what we can control is the level of creativity in the tasks we expect our students to complete. Here are some of the many alternatives to book reports:

• Ask students to perform scenes from the book in play format;

• Let students interview characters from the book, talk-show style;

• Ask students to write a newspaper report based on an important scene in the book;

• Ask students to create a poster encompassing the theme of the book;

• Watch the film version of the book (if there is one) with students to compare and contrast; and

• Ask students to come up with a new ending for the book.

Consider offering your students different options when they do have to complete a reading assignment. You may have one student who is more comfortable with the classic book report, while another would rather give a presentation about his or her book. Children learn in different ways, and giving choices in assignments will make them more eager to read.

Move away from tests and quizzes: Instead of “testing” your students on their reading, consider other ways to determine their reading level and comprehension. Reading with students in small groups, conferring, evaluating students’ journal entries are among the other methods that can help reduce students’ anxiety about tests and quizzes.

Field trips: Who doesn’t love a field trip? Take advantage of the opportunity to broaden students’ reading experience beyond the classroom. Here are some possible destinations:

• Libraries: You may be surprised at how few of your students have their own library cards and regularly visit the library. Many libraries will welcome classes with open arms, giving tours and talking with the children about the library and books. After the trip, you can send information home to students’ families about visiting the library and applying for a card.

• Bookstores: Those in your area may offer events for students. You can even offer extra credit to students who attend bookstore events on weekends.

• Movies: It’s always fun to see a movie after reading the book. If your class reads a book whose film version is playing at a theater near you, take them to see it.

• A park: On a nice day, have a reading picnic. Go outside, get comfy, relax and read.

Model a love for reading: During free reading time in your class, you as the teacher should be reading, too! Discuss with your class what book you are reading, your favorite magazine or your go-to section in the newspaper. When your students see you enjoying reading, it may just rub off on them.