Our Pedagogy
Our society is facing a profound literacy crisis. Nationwide only 79% of adults are literate and 54% of these adults are reading below a 6th grade level. In New York City, an estimated third of all high school graduates can’t read or write well enough to maintain basic employment.
At Behind the Book, we use an innovative approach to inspire young people to love reading and grow as they explore books. Our team of educators and advisory board of experts design learning experiences for New York City’s young people that:
1) are culturally responsive and trauma informed
2) reflect curriculum standards, and
3) promote intrinsic motivation.
We are the only literacy organization in New York City to use this approach.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in activities and experiences out of interest, enjoyment, challenge, and curiosity, not due to external reward or pressure. When educators establish the optimal environment to promote intrinsic motivation, young people are more successful at accomplishing the tasks set before them and gain a foundation for future life fulfillment. Our curriculum is designed and implemented with the following strategies to support this growth:
Autonomy
Students choose program themes, books, activities, writing prompts, and art projects. We provide rationale and transparency when explaining activities.
Competence
Students collaborate and set challenging achievable goals. Our programs include strategies to help students understand, clarify, and predict texts while developing higher thinking and cognitive skills.
Relatedness
Students are encouraged to share their knowledge and lived experiences as well as their novel ideas and perspectives. Essential questions connect to students’ age, interests, and cultural background, and workshops foster a climate of respect, support, and community.
