13 Strategies for Engaging Reluctant Readers
What do you do when your kid simply resists reading? As a parent or carer, you may find yourself trying to encourage a reluctant reader to engage in reading but without much success. Although it can feel like an uphill battle there are some strategies you can put in place to help your child overcome reluctance and even develop a love of reading.
Why does reading matter?
Reading is an essential component of not just academic success, but it is an invaluable life skill vital for effective functioning in the community and workplace. For young learners, reading builds a richness of vocabulary that develops beyond the limited language used in conversation. This is vital for developing the comprehension and critical thinking skills necessary to understand the increasingly complex information they receive as they progress through school. Limited comprehension is a barrier to future learning and limited vocabulary restricts their ability to articulate thoughts and ideas. Additionally, reading improves attention span, and the longer the attention span the greater the cognitive flexibility, working memory and ability to regulate emotions, all of which impact school success.
Importantly, reading is not just functional, but it is pleasurable and enriches their life. Think of the adventures they go on, the characters they meet, and the wonderful things they learn each time they pick up a book. Reading grows their imagination and fosters a sense of discovery,
For an in-depth look at the benefits of reading look at our article 9 Reasons Why Reading to Your Kid is Important.
A reluctant reader or a struggling reader?
It is useful to differentiate between these terms. A reluctant reader does not necessarily find reading difficult and they may be an able reader, but they switch off from reading. This may be due to competing interests, disinterest or boredom. If they show little interest, become frustrated or act out when asked to read, you may have a reluctant reader. The goal for a child that resists reading is to arouse interest.
A struggling reader has trouble learning to read. This may be due to speech and language problems, a specific learning need, poor reading instruction or a combination of all these issues. A struggling reader can become a reluctant reader because reading is difficult, and their confidence plummets. If a child is struggling to read they will need some additional educational support to find strategies to overcome any difficulties.
If you are concerned about your child reach out to their teacher or an educational specialist.
Strategies for reluctant readers
Although the focus of this article is on the younger reader (kindergarten, elementary or primary school), several of the strategies mentioned can be applied to toddlers and preschoolers as a way of fostering their interest in reading from a young age. Equally, some of these strategies would benefit teenagers but keep an eye out for our upcoming post on encouraging reluctant teenagers to read.
1. Make reading a daily habit
The only way to be a good reader is by reading regularly but when you have a reluctant reader this is a challenge. Do your best to make reading with your child a daily activity, even if they are capable of reading by themselves. If they are disinterested in independent reading, a simple strategy is to read aloud not only to engage them in reading time but to emphasize the joy of reading. Research demonstrates the importance of reading aloud cannot be overestimated as a way of introducing not just new vocabulary or ideas but because hearing a story can catch a kid’s interest and attention.
2. Take turns reading
If you have captured their attention it can be a good time to introduce reading portions of the book together. Take turns reading but don’t try to push too hard. Start with reading the largest portion of the story yourself and invite them to read a little bit at a time. Only increase their involvement if you feel they are comfortable and sufficiently engaged.
3. Let them choose what to read
We all have passions and interests and that includes our kids. If your kid is passionate about dinosaurs but given a book about jellyfish it’s unlikely that they will be keen to read. Direct your child toward books that are related to their interests or hobbies. It doesn’t matter if they select five books on dinosaurs, if they are interested in the content they will be more engaged. As they progress in their willingness to read you can then gently introduce a broader range of topics and subjects.
4. Discover their favorite author
Your kid may like the books of a particular author and you can work your way through their book list. You may also like to check with the school or local librarian about other authors or books that are similar and may be as enjoyable. Librarians are a fantastic source of knowledge and are a great resource for making book recommendations.
5. Get them involved in a series.
Try and find a series they are keen to explore. Reading the first book of the series can be a great way to hook them into learning more about the characters and what the characters may do next.
6. Find books that are relatable
It can help if you introduce books that have characters or lifestyles your child can relate to. If your kid feels connected to the story because the character looks like them or takes part in activities and situations they are familiar with, they may find it easier to engage with the story.
If your kid is finding it challenging to read at grade level it can be helpful to let them read books that are high in interest but have a lower level of vocabulary. This will reduce frustration and encourage competency and confidence.
7. Lead by example and encourage the family
Kids mirror the behaviour of parents and carers. If your kid sees that you enjoy reading they are more likely to emulate reading. Schedule a family reading activity just as you would games or movie night. Take turns reading aloud from the same book. Read different material then come together to discuss what you’ve read.
8. A comfortable place to read
Find a space in your home that has good lighting and is comfortable. If you can create a cosy reading nook that is their designated reading space it will make reading time feel special and enjoyable.
9. Audiobooks
Audiobooks can be a gateway to stimulating interest in a story or topic. As they move through the story, you can suggest they read for a portion of the time and listen to the audiobook for the remainder of the time.
10. Reading as an activity
Reading is not limited to books. If your kid enjoys cooking, ask them to read the recipe. If they like to play games or do craft activities, get them to read the instructions. Have them read the grocery list or the results for their favourite sports league. Grab opportunities for reading that present throughout the day and they’ll start to see the value of being able to read independently.
11. Read to siblings or family members
A reluctant reader can be empowered by reading to a younger sibling or a family member. Their confidence and capabilities can grow as they showcase their budding skills.
12. Encouragement is vital
Everyone needs a little encouragement including your reluctant reader. Praise milestones whether it be finishing a chapter or an entire book. Acknowledge if they willingly pick up a book to read independently without being reminded. Acknowledge their effort and be their champion.
13. Be patient
If you have a child that simply doesn’t want to read, it can be incredibly frustrating. It can be tempting to push them to try harder and it can be easy to lose patience. If reading time becomes a battleground you won’t achieve what you set out to do and that is to foster a willing and independent reader. Moreover, you will burn out and become exhausted in the process. Take the good days and celebrate them. Employ a strategy of walking away on the more challenging days. Sometimes, if your kid is extra tired or they’ve had a difficult day at school, it may not be worth pushing if you experience resistance.
The final word
Your kid needs to be a competent reader if they are to navigate school and life. Being able to comprehend increasingly complex knowledge, articulate their thoughts and apply critical thinking skills requires competency in reading. The above strategies will help you support your kid to build interest and engagement with reading. However, reach out to teachers and specialists if you are concerned.