Hooking Reluctant Readers With the Movie First

This summer I am involved with a reading program to keep students reading throughout the summer. The other day when helping one of the girls in the program choose books, I asked her if she has ever seen the movie Ella Enchanted. She very excitedly said, "Yes! I love that movie." Then I said, "Did you know that movie was based on a book?" Her eyes lit up and within minutes she was checking out Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. 

We typically read the book first and then as a "reward" or a "comparison activity" we watch the movie. However, watching the movie first can actually be a really great scaffold for those reluctant readers, because as we know the books are almost always better than the movie. So if they loved the movie, they will most likely love the book too. But it can also provide some readers a scaffold for reading a book that may be slightly above their reading level. If they already have some background knowledge for the plot of the movie, it may be easier for them comprehend. 

So if you have a student or child that is a reluctant reader, give the movie a try first and then read the book!

Which book turned movies are your favorite?