Inspiring a Reluctant Reader

As the parent of a reluctant reader, I have come to accept the fact that the so-called act of "reading for pleasure" is a foreign concept to my child. He simply does not find joy in books, and is about as likely to choose to read as he is to fix himself a snack of Brussels sprouts. Which is to say, highly unlikely. It's not just reading he abhors. Writing anything, particularly by hand, is a form of torture for him. Unfortunately, since both reading and writing are required on a daily basis in school, his resistance to both is duly reflected in the literacy section of his report card. There are many reasons a child may be a reluctant reader, and identifying the issue can go a long way toward solving, or at least mitigating, the problem. My son's literacy difficulties, for example, stem from a dyslexia diagnosis and an associated learning disability that make both reading and writing frustrating and overwhelming for him. Some other common reasons kids may not want to read include low self-esteem about their reading skills; attempting to read books that are too challenging or about topics that don't interest them; or struggling to fit reading into busy schedules packed with competing interests. Depending on the underlying reason for a child's reluctance to read, there are many strategies to try. For children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, audio books can be a boon, as their listening comprehension may outpace their reading comprehension. Another tactic is to have them try graphic novels, which are easier for many children to process because they have fewer large blocks of text. If a child has low self-esteem about their reading skills, encouraging them to read aloud to a pet or stuffed animal can be a great way to get them to practice in an atmosphere without consequence or judgment. Making a habit of reading out loud with a parent on a daily basis can also bolster a child's security and help them develop more confidence in their abilities. While allowing children to choose their own books can go a long way toward motivating them to read for pleasure, if they are picking out books that are too hard or uninteresting, the benefits of autonomous choice are lost. A child that does not have the vocabulary or comprehension skills to digest the material they are reading may lose interest quickly. It's important to make sure children are picking their books from an age- and skill-appropriate selection. Children acquire skills at different rates, so while one child may be tearing through lengthy chapter books, a classmate may be nowhere near ready, despite being the same age and grade level. Having a range of materials from which to select helps ensure that every child can find a book that's right for them. We all know that families today are busy, between work, school, extracurriculars and the countless other tasks and activities that fill up our day-to-day existence. While it is not always easy to make time for reading when juggling soccer practice, meal prep, work responsibilities and what-have-you, it is essential to make it a priority. Early literacy skills are a key indicator of a child's future success, and adults can give those skills a significant boost by modeling reading as a daily habit. When setting up your family's schedule, do not compromise on penciling in time to read! No matter how many strategies one attempts, some children will remain frustratingly unmotivated to read. Forcing a child to read is not the answer, as this will only reinforce their existing dislike for the task. But nor is giving up the answer! Some additional ideas to inspire a reluctant reader include: Get recommendations from your librarian for books that might resonate with your child. Create a special reading spot for your child where they feel comfortable and encourage them to go there and read for short bursts of time. Have your child enter a reading challenge online or at the local library. Have your child's eyes checked. Sometimes a vision issue can contribute to reading reluctance. If you suspect your child has dyslexia or another learning disability, have them evaluated. Knowing how they learn is a critical step to setting them up for success. Set limits on screen time. Sometimes reading isn't as instantly gratifying as gaming or chatting with friends on social media. But the rewards will pay off in the long run! Listen to audio books in the car as a family. There's a lot to be said for a captive audience. Read in front of them, to them and with them! Set a good example as a literacy role model every day. Sarah Hall is the communications manager for the Children's Literacy Foundation, a nonprofit supporting literacy development in children up to age 12 throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Learn more at clifonline.org.