National Reading Month: See How WIVA Middle School Teacher Rachel Knuese Is Helping Students Rediscover the Joy of Reading

March is National Reading Month—a time dedicated to celebrating books, literacy, and the lifelong impact of reading. At Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA), middle school English teacher Rachel Knuese is doing more than celebrating reading; she’s helping students rebuild their relationship with it.

Her philosophy is simple but powerful: reading should feel good. Not forced. Not a chore. Not another task on a to-do list. Just a habit that sparks curiosity, confidence, and connection.

And thanks to a program she designed in the 2021-22 school year called the 20-for-20 Reading Challenge, her students are embracing reading in a big way. Each year since then, 75–80% of participating students report that the challenge motivates them to read more—a remarkable shift at a time when national reading engagement is steadily declining.

A Reading Challenge Built on Joy, Not Pressure

Inspired by The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller, Knuese adapted a simple idea for middle school students: read for 20 minutes a day and aim for 20 books a year. But she is quick to emphasize that the structure is secondary to the mindset.

“Any reading is good reading,” she says. “If you read one book, that is awesome. If you read 30 books, we celebrate it.”

The challenge is intentionally framed as an invitation rather than a requirement. There’s no heavy emphasis on tracking or turning reading into a high-stakes task. Instead, the focus is on consistency and enjoyment—helping students experience reading as something they choose rather than something they have to complete.

Building a Culture Where Reading Becomes Routine

Over time, the 20-for-20 Challenge has helped shape a broader culture of reading at WIVA. Dedicated reading time is now built into homeroom, reinforcing that literacy is not just an English class responsibility but something that supports learning across all subjects.

Access is also a key piece of the equation. Students can use digital libraries, audiobooks, and screen readers, and are encouraged to connect with public library resources as well.

This support helps reduce barriers and ensures that students can engage with reading in formats that meet their needs.

Choice plays an equally important role. Students are encouraged to explore genres, follow their interests, and stop reading books that aren’t working for them. Graphic novels and shorter texts often serve as entry points, helping students build confidence and stamina. At the same time, more traditional works like To Kill a Mockingbird sometimes become unexpected favorites when students encounter them outside the pressure of an assignment. The emphasis is not on what students read, but on creating conditions where they want to keep reading.

Modeling What Real Reading Looks Like

Knuese also plays an active role in modeling reading for her students. She reads alongside them, shares what she’s currently reading, and talks openly about her reactions as a reader. In doing so, she naturally demonstrates literacy skills like inference and reflection without turning reading into a purely analytical exercise.

She also normalizes the emotional side of reading. Whether a book is humorous, thought-provoking, or moving, those responses are part of the experience. Talking about stories that make her laugh—or even bring her to tears—helps students understand that reading is not just about comprehension, but connection.

That sense of connection is reflected in student feedback. Many students say the program motivates them to read more, and some note the simple but meaningful feeling that someone cares about their reading. That kind of support can be especially impactful in helping students build confidence and identity as readers.

Extending Reading Beyond the Classroom

Knuese’s approach also recognizes the importance of reinforcing reading at home. Families and learning coaches are encouraged to make space for reading in daily routines, not through pressure, but through consistency and encouragement. When school and home reinforce the same message, reading is more likely to become a lasting habit.

National Reading Month provides a natural moment for families to start or strengthen those habits. The approach doesn’t have to be complicated—what matters most is giving students time, access, and choice.

A Lifelong Goal

Ultimately, Knuese’s goal is not measured by how many books students complete in a year, but by whether they continue reading beyond her classroom. Even a modest, sustained habit of reading for pleasure is a meaningful outcome.

Her philosophy reflects a core idea from The Book Whisperer: reading is a gift, not a goal. When students experience reading as something enjoyable and self-directed, it has the potential to stay with them long after the school year ends.

At WIVA, that belief is helping students rediscover what National Reading Month is meant to highlight—the simple, lasting joy of reading.

Want these kinds of teachers in your student’s life? See what Wisconsin Virtual Academy can offer your child.

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