How to Help Your Reluctant Reader

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Boys tend to be more reluctant readers than girls. My oldest son is going into second grade. He is a good reader, but he’d rather do something other than read.

How to Help Your Reluctant Reader

As a teacher, I know the importance of helping him continue to read. Summer is an especially difficult time to get a book in his hands as there is so many other things to do. But we still try!

Here are my tricks to helping my reluctant reader:

1. I trick him. I’ll have him read the instructions to a game or the items on my grocery list. I take advantage of all those little opportunities.

2. He writes and illustrates his own stories. They’re obviously not “on level” texts, but he’s taking ownership and thinking like a reader.

3. I’ll buy or check out books of shows or movies he likes. Even though it’s painful to listen to him read the powers of every single Pokemon, he’s enjoying what he is reading.

4. Graphic Novels. So many chapter books are being written into comic books these days. These are awesome for reluctant readers at any level. My boys have a couple Disney graphic novels, and Lego Ninjago, which they love.

5. We go to the library. I don’t ever say no at the library. The kids can get whatever book and however many they like. They love that.

6. The iPad has books. We don’t do it as frequently as we did when he was a little younger, but for kids these days, anything on an electronic device excites them.

7. Read aloud. Even though he is a pretty independent reader, he still loves being read to. In fact, all kids love this. Reading aloud is a great opportunity for a story that is a little above their independent level. It’s a great way to introduce characters or stories you loved as a kid: Peter and Fudge (Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom) and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, for example.

8. Making time to read. Providing quiet time for him to sit and read, even if he just looks through the pictures.

9. Find a series. No matter the age or reading level of your child, find a series they love because they will keep reading. My son is just getting into the Magic Tree House books.

*Next month I’ll share my favorite books for young readers.

Do you have a reluctant reader at home? What tricks have worked for you?

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