Reluctant Readers: 12 Ways to Get Them to Read
Do you have a child who hates reading? A child who thinks reading is "boring" and "not fun"? Have you ever wondered how you can get your child to read more and actually enjoy it? Reading is a passion of mine! For some, it's a little more difficult to get into the right mindset to enjoy reading. I had the opportunity to work with children between preschool and 5th grade during my childcare teaching years. This experience has taught me a lot in getting reluctant readers to read. Below I will be sharing some of what I have found that worked in getting reluctant readers to read.Make Time for Reading
Making time for reading may seem like a no brainer. Unfortunately, for those who have busy, hectic schedules it can be difficult to fit reading time in. If you try to squeeze reading in between school and sports the child may not retain as much of what they are reading. They would be more tired from school-possibly cranky-and excited over going to what ever their extra curricular activity is. So then, Set aside time to just relax and read when planning your week. Doing this ensures there is no pressure and it would be more enjoyable for your reluctant readers.Read-a-Loud
Next, reading-a-loud has many great benefits to both the listener and the speaker. The National Education Association says,"children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school.". Reachoutandread.org says that, reading-a-loud:- Builds motivation, curiosity and memory
- Helps children cope during times of stress or anxiety
- Take children to places and times they have never been enlarging and enhancing their worlds
- Creates a positive association with books and reading
Statistics show that children's interest in reading a book outside of school drops dramatically (54/100%) by grade 4. Why? In this case, parents stopped reading to their kids. Conversely, don't you listen to audio-books?? Thus, the narrator is reading aloud to you!! ;-) Audio Books are a great way to get your reluctant readers to read!!
Create a Special Reading Area
Do you normally read in bed? Or maybe you have a big, comfy, oversized chair that you snuggle into with a good book? Well, just like us adults, children like to have special reading areas too. Creating a cozy place for them to use is one of the best ways to get a reluctant readers to read. Some ideas could be an indoor tent or remove the closet door and turn it into a mini reading nook!
Have the Correct Reading Level Available
However, Some times children are reluctant readers simply because they are struggling. Consequently, Either the books are too hard or they are too easy. Ensuring that your child has the appropriate reading level accessible is a must. It will help give them confidence in their reading ability. In turn, make reading more enjoyable. Especially once they can understand what they are reading and relate to the books on a personal level.
Have a Variety of Books Available
As a rule, I would also make sure to have different types of reading material on hand, such as comic books, magazines, fact books, and autobiographies. Besides, having a variety to choose from keeps things interesting and also keeps them motivated! The same can be said for children. Especially, since they are just finding out what they like and don't like. Having a variety of books on the topics that are interesting to your reluctant readers, is a good place to start. In brief, you never know when something will spark an intereset for them! Likewise, giving them the ability to make their own choices will also take the pressure off of them. It's a win-win in my book!
Have Older Children Read to Younger Children
Having your reluctant readers, read aloud to their younger siblings can help get them more into reading. As a result, siblings, are not only bonding, but your reluctant readers gets a sense of accomplishment. Particularly, if they feel like they are being treated "like an adult". Having your reluctant readers read aloud to, a class of younger children, gets them excited to read too. Mainly for the change in routine and that it breaks up their day. Consequently, nothing is more boring than a day that just drags on and on..
Buddy Reading
Buddy reading is where you pair your reluctant readers with other readers (usually an older reader) and take turns reading. Each person can read every other sentence, paragraph, or page. They can decide for themselves how they want to divide up their chosen book. Also, there are books specifically designed for buddy reading called, Duel Readers. Furthermore, they feature two sections of text - one simple line at the top and a further detailed line at the bottom. For an example of what this looks like, click here!
Let Them See YOU Reading
The best way to encourage your reluctant readers to read, is simple: Let them see YOU reading! This works no matter what age your kiddos are. Younger children will want to copy and mimic everything you do, getting them in the habit of "reading" early. For older kids, figure out what they are interested in and have your own little bookclub with them! Showing an interest in THEIR interests will go along way. Together with, being able to talk about what they are reading, it will make them a lot more comfortable sharing it with you.
Leave Them Wanting More
Usually, this can be done several ways, but today I am only giving the one example. Pick out a funny book, and read aloud the first page or chapter. Assuming the child is listening and laughing along with your reading, you finish your sentence and stop. Put down the book, and tell them they will have to read the book to see what happens next. Don't expect them to pick up the book right away. The wonder of what happens next in the story line will have reluctant readers coming back for the rest!
Visit the Library-Often
This is one of my very favorite options. Going to the library often can naturally intice your reluctant readers to find something that peaks their interest. Wether it's the new display of graphic novels , or the newly released books in the teen center. Your kiddo will inevitably be drawn to whatever catches their eye.
Rewards
Generally, libraries occasionally offer incentives for reading. Namely, the IndyPL Summer Reading Program. For example, they gave admission tickets to local attractions and coupons or more books as rewards! This past summer, my kiddos were able to get tickets for the museums, the zoo, coupons, and lots of new books and toys! Just for reading! Likewise, there is also the "Book It Program" through Pizza Hut! Similarly, they set a goal to read a certain number of books and when they reach that goal they can receive a free personal pizza!! (what kid doesn't like pizza??) In this case, I remember doing the "Book It Program" as a kid and I was able to earn a medal -that I still have- and a free pizza!
Make it Fun for Your Reluctant Readers!
Happy Reading!
In short, those are the 12 ways to get your reluctant readers to read! I hope that some of these help you on your journey of encouraging your reluctant readers. Do you have more ideas on how to make reading fun? Share them below and let's help each other out!
