Encouraging a Reluctant Reader

In keeping with our recent topics about reading, I thought it was a good time to discuss ways to encourage a reluctant reader. When my son was first learning to read, he really didn't have much enthusiasm. It just seemed like he would rather be doing anything else. My daughter was a young toddler at the time, and she loved to be read to. So, I decided to ask my son to read her one book each day. It was always a very simple, short book that they would both enjoy.

During this time, I did not sit with them or make any corrections to my sons reading, even though he very often got things wrong!! After a few weeks of this, I could really see his attitude about reading change. It was like a whole new child emerged who thought reading was the coolest thing he could do (and he is still like that!).

Our librarian told me that some libraries (including ours on a rare occasion!) offer programs where kids can read to dogs. She said that it seems to help them grow as readers because they are not self conscious, and they are not corrected.





If you don't have a baby or a dog to let you child read to, try a stuffed animal or an imaginary friend! Whatever it takes to encourage them!

For those of you with older reluctant readers, I would encourage you to find a subject matter that your child enjoys and truly seek out GOOD reading books about this topic. You could even look in magazines that your child may enjoy or let them read an e-book! Whatever it takes, make building a love a reading a priority in your home!