Top 10: Ways to get reluctant readers reading
Categories: Fun & activities, Behaviour and Development, Top 10
If your child is learning to read, they can often get stuck for a while before their reading becomes fluent.
Children who are struggling with reading will benefit from a helping hand, but may be put off by your efforts. What is it with kids that as soon as they sense that Mum or Dad is keen on something, they back away as if it's got a bad case of swine flu?
Children's minds seem to work along these lines
Mum + Dad = Not cool, therefore
Things Mum + Dad Like = Stuff I hate
So if your child thinks that books are something you step on in order to reach the biscuit tin, what can you do to foster a love of reading?
Here are my 10 ways to entice reluctant readers
- Where's Wally?
These books were designed with reluctant readers in mind. There are very few words, and the whole thing's a visual puzzle, so it subtly gets across the message that books are fun - Horrid Henry early reader books
These are new versions of the popular Horrid Henry books, specially created for early readers. My little boy was so chuffed with these, because they're chapter books (normally the preserve of top readers only) - Any book that links into another interest
So whether your child likes Club Penguin or Power Rangers, there will be some sort of associated reading matter. - Comics
Even if it's not a book, it still counts as reading. - Road signs
Let your child help you navigate - Rainbow Magic fairy books
Little girls love these, though parents will find them pretty dull. Very formulaic but easy to follow and good for encouraging your newly reading little princess - The Incredible Book Eating Boy
Yes I know a tale of a boy who finds that reading books is more fun than eating them sounds a bit worthy, but this lovely book is captivating. Plus children like the big bite mark out of the cover. - Gooey, Chewy, Rumble Plop!
This appeals to children on lots of levels, because it's about the digestive system, and so is satisfyingly gross. Best of all, it has a big rubber tongue on the front that you can waggle at your sister. - Joke books
They may not be your first choice for literary sophistication, but your child will love them - Be a reader yourself
We are our children's best mentors. Do you enjoy books? Does your child see you reading regularly? Are you keen to curl up for a bedtime story?
How do you help your reluctant reader? Got any books to recommend? Leave a comment below
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joanne Mallon 5-18-2009 @ 1:21PM
As luck would have it, just after I wrote this list I got sent a tip top book: My Brilliant Book! by Michael Broad is the story of a little boy who's a reluctant reader, and his search for his own ideal book. It also has a blank mini book as an insert so readers can be inspired to make their own.
My five year old son was instantly captivated, and he's a hard nut to impress. More info on this book here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Brilliant-Book-Michael-Broad/dp/1847381464/
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Max Elliot Anderson 5-18-2009 @ 5:52PM
I appreciate any efforts to draw attention to reading, and attract reluctant readers to it.
That's because I grew up as a reluctant reader, in spite of the fact that my father published over 70 books. Now I write action-adventures & mysteries, especially for tween boys, that avid boy readers and girls enjoy just as much.
My blog, Books for Boys http://booksandboys.blogspot.com recently reached # 1 on Google.
Keep up your good work concerning reading.
Max Elliot Anderson
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Jo 5-19-2009 @ 4:02AM
I have a 'reluctant reader' and certainly found playing to the things he enjoys - comics for example - a great way of encouraging reading.
Also - join your local library. Kids have the fun choosing books they like and picking up new ones when they've finished. It also makes them feel independent and grown up so ticks a lot of boxes!
If you have support from grandparents, tap into that too. My mother and 'reluctant reader' take it in turns to read a chapter to each other. Its hugely helpful especially when its the end of the day and my enthusiasm for doing the 'funny voices' is waning.
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Deb 5-19-2009 @ 9:15AM
My eldest used to be a reluctant reader but now, nearly 13, he reads loads for pleasure.
The Alex Rider series really ignited his passion. There are just so many wonderful children's books out there.
I've also made a point of never saying no to a new book so mine love going to bookshops and have been treated a fair bit. We're on a budget too so I know this isn't possible for lots, but it was worth it for us to go without something in order to buy books for the children.
Seeing parents read is important too, so no guilt about being gripped by your latest novel......
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Joanne Mallon 5-19-2009 @ 1:18PM
Thank you all for your comments. It's really inspiring to know that a reluctant reader doesn't stay that way forever.
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Jenny Ertle 7-21-2009 @ 12:41PM
Just come across your blog Jo and hoped you wouldn't mind me drawing attention to the fact that Ransom Publishing produce books specifically designed to encourage kids to read. Inevitably most of the books are boy focused.
The books are all designed to make reading more attractive by using comic styles, fantastic graphics and covering topics which attract boys and making the books easy to read.
We are a small family company with a passion for what we do. We try to produce books of a really high standard and to keep doing what we do we need as much help as we can get to tell people about them.
Our web site is www.ransom.co.uk.
Jenny
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