Do you have a child that you find hard to motivate to read because they just dislike reading? Do you have a child that will find many excuses why they will not take the time to read a book? What about the child who would rather find something else to do, including cleaning their room, than pick up a book? Or what about the child who just doesn’t find any fulfillment in reading for enjoyment? So you are left feeling frustrated and even slightly confused as to why someone would not enjoy reading like everyone else. If you have a child that is a reluctant reader, you are not alone!

What is a reluctant reader?

According to Elizabeth Kennedy at About.com a reluctant reader is…

Children who are intelligent and interested in reading, but don’t read well; children who seem to have no interest and, as a result of not reading regularly, are falling, or at risk of falling, behind; and children who are dealing with specific learning problems that impede their ability, and willingness, to read. Then, there is the most frustrating type of all: the child who reads well but has little interest in doing so.

So do you have a child that would fall into one of those types? I do! And I am now being proactive in helping him rather than being frustrated at him because of his lack of desire.

Tips to help reluctant readers

1. Be a role model! It makes it difficult for a child to see the value of reading if you are not showing interest yourself. Children who don’t see adults read may wonder why they have to read when you don’t!

2. Make sure that you have books in the home. If you can’t afford to have shelves of books at home, make it a point to get to your local public library. The library can be your “friend” for encouraging your child to read.

3. Help your child pick out books at their reading level. If you don’t know if a book is too hard for them to read, choose one page out of the book for your child to read aloud to you. If your child missed more than five words on the page the book may be too difficult of a read for them.

4. Be flexible! What you like in books might not be the same for your child. Do not push your personal tastes but offer variety of genres. Find reading material about things that your child is passionate about, like soccer, or space.   If all else fails, use humor. Humorous books like the Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish, Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey, any book by Dr. Seuss, or anything by Roald Dahl are good choices to pique your child’s interests. Also try how to or step by step instruction books or choose books from a series, like Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner or Encyclopedia Brown by Donald Sobel.

5. Make reading relaxing and low key for a short part of every day. Make time every day along with having a quiet, cozy spot to read. At my house, we have a half hour each day that is designated as silent reading time. Each child is to find a spot away from everyone else and read! Each of my children that can read is to read something (book, magazine, comic book, or newspaper) for that half hour time slot. My children that can’t read the written words are still encouraged to look at books, mostly picture books.

6. Be persistent, but have patience! Your reluctant reader will not change overnight but do not give up! Motivating a reluctant reader to read takes time. Keep offering different suggestions of books for them to read. I keep a pocket folder handy with lists of books at different reading levels. I take the folder with me to the library every time we go so that if my children are struggling in finding a book to read, I can offer suggestions.

Remembering these tips will help you encourage your child to develop a lifelong love of reading.

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