3 Tips to Encourage a Reluctant Reader
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School is in session! Is your child not wanting to pick up a book and read? As a mom to five, I’ve had a little experience in this area, at least when it came to my boys. There’s hope out there and right at your fingertips. Do you have a reluctant reader? Or do you have a voracious reader?
What is a Reluctant Reader?
A reluctant reader is just as it sounds a person, in this case, a child that just isn’t wanting to read or learn to read for some reason. It is hard to get this child to pay attention when it comes to reading and they must be coaxed into it. “Oooh if you read this story you can play video games, etc.”
Motivate Readers
For me, I had to have mine do the early bedtime because it actually helped encourage them to read more. Now, this isn’t one you MUST do, that is as long as your child suddenly gets the “energy” to read his/her book. Typically no child wants to go to bed early unless they are REALLY tried. Have a normal bedtime routine in place on days they do NOT want to read have an early to bed rule and after you tuck them in ask them “Would you like lights out or would you like to stay up and read for a bit?”
Sure, there will be times they just go to sleep. But if there is a book that might spike their interest besides their bed you never know. I do not have to beg nor manipulate them into reading. In fact, they think it’s their idea and they have grown to love their chance for a ‘late’ bedtime. Then, I back off. I don’t try to instruct them in any way, nor help them choose books. This is their time. They can choose whichever book they like and look at it however they like until I come in to kiss them goodnight and turn their lights out. Of course, if they want me to stay and listen to them read, I’m more than happy to comply. Try it. It works.
Fall/Winter Break/Summer Reading Incentives
Create a Reading Program at your home with rewards for reading books. You can use a game board and allow your child to move one space for each book he reads. Or if you want to have a bit more fun, let him roll the dice each time he reads a book and has prizes available for passing certain points. (I’ve included a game board I made for my two youngest as the older one is definitely a reluctant reader: Encourage Reading Game)
You don’t want one right beside another that way they must read more books/chapters whatever the goal is. If your child is having a hard time with writing maybe let them have an extra roll for the days they do a small book report about the book. This not only helps them out with school/writing but they get rewarded for it too.
You don’t want one right beside another that way they must read more books/chapters whatever the goal is. If your child is having a hard time with writing maybe let them have an extra roll for the days they do a small book report about the book. This not only helps them out with school/writing but they get rewarded for it too.
Make sure the rewards are something they’ll like. If your child values time with you more than toys, set a date together doing his/her favorite thing. (Examples: go to the park/go to a movie, play a board game together, etc) If he/she values a certain toy, let him earn it (trinkets work well in a prize box too). Or let him earn a chance to get out of his regular chores. (A pass/ticket for you to do the dishes) Take him to his favorite restaurant. (Ticket for Restaurant of your choice between ____ and ____.) Just have fun with it and he will, too.
Read the book before you can see the movie Can Encourage Reading
When my kids want to see a movie that had a book prior to the release I have them read the book. Trust me this does encourage reading. I refuse to watch the movie until we’ve read the book. Make it a family affair! Mom and Dad can read to the kids on different nights or we could do our own book club and everyone chats about each chapter.
That’s it. Three easy ways to turn your child into a reader for life.
Download the “Encourage Reading Game” here! Please if you want to share it, share the link! This is NOT for resell. I’m hoping if ya’ll like it you’ll tell me (homemom3(@)gmail.com) and I’ll make some more in the future.