The Missing Piece in Reading Instruction: Motivation (with Behind the Book’s Anmarie Paul)

What if the biggest gap in reading instruction isn’t phonics or fluency — but motivation?Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor sits down with Anmarie Paul, Executive Director of Behind the Book, to explore how intrinsic motivation, belonging, student choice, and joyful literacy experiences help children become lifelong readers.Together, they unpack how Science of Reading practices and reading engagement strategies must work together because children don’t just need to learn how to read, they need to want to read.From expressive read-alouds to author visits, STEM-literacy integration, and identity-centered storytelling, this conversation offers practical insights for educators, librarians, parents, school leaders, and literacy advocates.Episode Chapters00:00 Motivation and Reading Instruction04:14 Read Alouds That Build Engagement and Fluency08:34 How Behind the Book Builds Reading Motivation15:30 Literacy, STEM, and Creative Learning18:40 Author Visits and Student Belonging24:55 Leadership in Literacy and Youth Development29:28 The Future of Reading: Engagement Meets Science of ReadingWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy intrinsic motivation is critical to reading successHow read alouds improve fluency, comprehension, and connectionWhat makes literacy programs truly engaging for studentsHow belonging and representation impact reading identityWays to combine Science of Reading + engagement-based practicesHow literacy, STEM, creativity, and storytelling intersectStrategies for building sustainable reading ecosystems🔗 Learn More & Get InvolvedBehind the Book: https://www.behindthebook.orgFollow Behind the Book on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Download the Adventures in Learning 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud CalendarSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.