Teachers are always looking for ways to keep their students engaged and reading. Textbooks and children's literature can sometimes get boring. There are plenty of alternative ways to keep children reading beyond using a book. The key is to tune into the students' interest. If you know that your students love sports, then provide ways for them to learn more about the sport that interests them.  You can do this through articles in the newspaper, by printing articles online, or in magazines or brochures.

If you find that a lot of your girls in class have an interest in animals, then provide them with song lyrics that reference animals, cookbooks that show them how to create animal shaped food, or catalogs that show animals in them. By exposing students to these alternative reading methods, you will see there interest in reading will grow.

Here are 10 ways to keep students reading.

1. Newspapers

Newspapers are a great alternative reading material because the articles are short. Many newspapers even have a kids section that are written from a child's point of view. Here are 10 ways to use a newspaper in your classroom.

2. Brochures

Brochures aren't just for tourists and planning a special vacation. Students can learn about their favorite sport, like swimming, or read about their favorite breed of dogs. They are especially appealing to children because they are colorful and have a lot of pictures on them.

3. Catalogs

This is a great option for students who are are interested in reading brief statements about their particular interest.

Girls who love fashion will enjoy a clothing catalog and learning all about clothes. While boys who love fishing, may enjoy a catalog like Bass Pro who has an abundance of information on fishing and boat-related items.

4. Magazines

There are magazines that are geared toward children, and their particular interests. Magazines such as Discovery Kids show stories about animals. While other children's magazines such as Highlights, offer children a wide range of stories, puzzles, and poems to read about.

5. Cookbooks

Cookbooks are a great way to get your students reading, even if they can't cook. If a student is interested in animals, they can find a cookbook that teaches them how to create a animal-themed meal, or at least how to decorate an animal cookie.

6. Product Labels

Even your most reluctant readers will get a kick out of reading food and product labels. Arrange a section in the classroom where students can read cereal boxes, can goods, soda cans, and bags of snacks. Not only will they like to read, but they will learn a little bit more about nutrition as well.

7. Comic Books

A sure-fire way to get children reading is by handing them a comic book, especially the boys. Comic books have amazing pictures and brief statements that tend to capture the readers attention and keep it!

8. Lyrics

Song lyrics are a fun way to get kids reading. Give students the words to their favorite song and have them read along as you play the song. They can also learn about their favorite artist and the story behind the words.

9. Instructions

In order to put something together you need a set of instructions. Challenge your students to learn how to assemble a game, toy, or piece of furniture for the classroom by reading the instructions.

10. Blog

Kids blogs have been quite the rage lately. Sites such as Kidsblog.org offer students a chance to have a voice. It's a fun way for kids to get reading, and not to mention it incorporates technology.