Reluctant Readers

The good news is that if your child is an unwilling reader, there are steps that you can take to help him.

If your child doesn't like to read, it is important to get involved early, as reading skills are formed when a child is young and increase as he gets older.

The sooner you address the issues that cause your child to be a reluctant reader, the better!

Photo courtesy of Pratham Books

Why is My Child a Reluctant Reader?

• Could be intelligent but not able to read well. In this case, you will need to help her with reading skills. She has the ability but has not mastered the skills yet.
• May have a learning disability. In this case, it is helpful to get a professional diagnosis, so that you will know how to approach the issue. Many children have learning disabilities. They can be very intelligent, but they need to learn in a different way from other children. Knowing what you are dealing with, will help you understand how to help your child.
• May simply be falling behind his classmates because he doesn't read very often. This child may have the skills, but, because he is not reading regularly, his skills are rusty. In the case of reading, practice does improve skills.
• May read well but simply have little interest in doing so. This is often the case when you have a gifted child who is under-stimulated. He is not being challenged and so his reading activities are boring.

Parents Can Help Unwilling Readers

• Read to your children and in front of your children. Setting an example is important.

• Encourage your child to read. Give positive reinforcement. Praise even the smallest accomplishments. Help your child to see that reading is fun!

• Take your child to the library. Make this a fun activity that you do regularly.

• Choose books for reluctant readers carefully. Childrens books should be at an appropriate reading level and also about subjects that interest your child. If a book is not interesting to your child, no amount of encouragement will make it fun to read!

  Books by Usborne Publishing are created, specifically for reluctant readers, by a team of reading experts! I have seen the value of using these books for motivating uncertain readers over and over.

• Try using interactive books. Interactive books are more like a game or a puzzle.
• Also, try instructional books like craft books and how-to books that require them to read and follow (or comprehend) instructions. Many children will use a book to learn about a subject that they like, even if they don't read a book for enjoyment.

• If your child is in school, ask his teacher for suggestions. His teacher may have insights that will help you.

These suggestions should help you get started. You will think of others as you work with your child.

Perhaps the most important suggestion is that you be patient with your child. Reluctant readers are not any happier with their situation than you are—and it can be pretty frustrating for them, as well.

Spend a little time helping your child to learn reading skills and learn to love reading. The small amount of time spent each day will reward you (both) greatly!

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