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Some of us are born right out of the womb as readers. Some of us are not. I was definitely one of the latter. It took me a long time to enjoy reading…pretty much anything. Luckily, I eventually found a passion for reading. But instead of with adult books, I love children’s books. I am pretty sure that when it comes to hoarding and buying, I might be the world’s worst with picture books. Now, thankfully, by being a teacher and a parent, I able to put this obsession to good use. Since I didn’t start out loving to read, I find it important to give reluctant readers the necessary skills to love books as early as possible.
My son loved reading the moment he was born. My son is to the point where we actually have to threaten “no books at bedtime” to get him to do what we want. I know…it sounds terrible, but we LOVE books around here. My daughter, well, it has taken her a little while longer. She’s definitely one of those reluctant readers. Throughout my experience with babies, toddlers, school-aged students, and everything in between, I have found a few ways to increase reading at all ages.
Reluctant Readers Ages 1-2- Find the right book and start a routine
Go through as many books as possible until you find the right one. Once you find the
Ages 3-5- Find the perfect books and continue a routine
Elementary School Reluctant Readers
- I have had many parents over the years tell me that they were up all night the night before practicing words. They explain to me how hard they are working and that they just don’t understand why their child isn’t reading. I am thankful for these parents because they put forth the effort with their child. However, kids are going to read, not because you force them to, but because they want to. You don’t want to your child to resent reading because you are constantly forcing them to read. Remember those attention span in kids? If you are working with them for longer than their age, they just aren’t learning.
- Find books your child can read…successfully. Allowing your child to feel a little bit of pride while reading can go a long way. Start with a book below your child’s reading level and work your way up after that.
- Reading ANYTHING is better than nothing. It doesn’t matter what your child is reading, as long as they are doing it. If your child wants to read “Captain Underpants,” let them. By telling them they have to read something else, all the fun is taken away.
- If by third grade, your child is still struggling with reading, I would personally look into other reasons as to why that might be. I would talk to your child’s teacher or pediatrician to see if there are other factors affecting them beyond their control.
Now, go have fun with your child and read! Have you found any strategies that have worked for your reluctant readers?
If you want to see other teaching ideas, check out all of our ideas here.