Reluctant Readers: 12 Ways to Get Them to Read

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!

Above all, make reading fun! Create a sticker chart together to track your reading (a type of reading log). Both of my kids LOVE stickers! I will be doing this for both of them this month as a way to get over the winter slump. Also, we have found that my toddler loves when we use finger puppets and funny voices while reading aloud to her! You can create fun, engaging activities that are tied to the theme/topic/character of the book to bring the book to life! Furthermore, to make reading fun, read the book and then watch the movie!! I still love to do this one! It helps readers to think critically about what they are reading and apply it to their every day life.

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!

Vision Boards: How-To Define Your Best Year Yet!

Have you ever set specific goals to be accomplished by the end of the year, only to give up on them after a couple months?  It happens to me EVERY year. As a result, this year I have done a lot of self-reflection. Particularly reflecting about Jesus, my health, my relationships, and my career. Through all of my self-exploration and research of how to actually achieve my goals, one thing stuck out to me. Vision Boards! (This was just what I had been missing!) I'm a very hands-on, visual, creative person and Vision Boards sounded right up my alley! In short, after completing my very first Vision Board, I knew I had to share this fun and inspiring idea! Here is my How-To for creating vision boards to help others reach their goals!

Step 1: Materials for Vision Boards

To begin with, you should gather supplies. You will need a Poster board, cork board, foam board, or whatever you want to use as your board. Consequently, I used a file folder spread open simply because that is all I had on hand at the time. Glue sticks (or push pins if you decide to go with a cork board) and Scissors are necessary materials to cut and glue pictures and words from magazines to make your Vision Board. In the meantime, you'll want to gather magazines pertaining to your goals and that have big, bold images and titles. Examples of the type of magazines you can use: Oprah Magazine, Women's Health, Parents, Forbes, Sunset Magazine, etc.

Step 2: Reflection Strategy for Vision Boards

Next, in order to find the right kind of magazines for your Vision Board, you need to think about your goals. What did you experience and accomplish? For example, I wrote out what all I had accomplished to-date and then wrote a letter to myself about my tenacity. This really helped get me into the right frame of mind for preparing myself for a great new year! In addition to finding what you're good at, enjoy doing, what you're not good at, and what is holding you back you will be able to get a good idea of where you are and where you want to be.

Step 3: Reflection Questions for Vision Boards

Us momma's don't stop and reflect on the progress that we've made and what we're capable of nearly enough! In this journey of self-reflection for our Vision Board, ask yourself these questions. What have you accomplished this year? Is there a specific direction do you want to take your life next? What do you want to change? Would you do something differently -if there was nothing holding you back? Were you surprised at how much you've accomplished? I know I was!

Step 4: BHAG for Your Vision Boards

Most importantly, being clear on your next Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal/s (BHAG) will help you to create your Vision Board. However, if you are anything like me, you have a long list of goals you want to accomplish or things you want to do but, setting a lot of goals at once means you end up doing too much and accomplishing nothing. As a rule, I would just choose 1-3 BIG goals based on your reflections. As a result, it will be so much more satisfying to be able to look back at the end of the year and see how hard you worked. Including, what all you have accomplished.

Step 5: Making Your Vision Boards

Finally, now that you have defined your BHAG's, you can go through the magazines and cut out images and words related to your goal/s. Generally, if you can't find something specific that you're looking for- just write or draw it in! That would make it that much more special and important! Thus, once you have attached your pictures and words to your board, you will have successfully made a Vision Board!! Make sure to place your vision board where you can see it and reflect on it daily for inspiration and encouragement. So then you can look upon your board and reflect on how your year went! Particularly, at the end of the year. Fun, right?!

Final Thoughts

Creating a Vision Board has been the most fun, rewarding, and thought-provoking thing I have done in awhile! I have definitely learned a few things about myself that I will be working on this year. I cannot wait for you to create your best year yet! For a more in-depth reflection check out my FREE Reflection Worksheet! Share your Vision Boards with us in the comments! To see my Vision Board head over to my Instagram @shannonsbooks!