How to help the Reluctant Reader
Many parents worry about their
children being reluctant readers. However, there are a number of ways to tackle this issue and
instill a love of books and reading in general.
Here are our Top Ten Tips to encourage
your child to start reading:
1. Let them pick their
own book! Nothing is worse than being made to read what mum or dad think is a great book. Guide them, but ultimately let them make
their own decision.
2. If books aren’t
already a part of your home, make them. If children see books around the
house it sends out an important message.
3.Talk about books. Chat about a
book you’re reading. Ask them what they are reading at school? Ask them what their friends are reading?
4. Make time to read with
your kids. This might be before bed-time or at the weekend. This is one of the most effective ways to instill a love
of reading into your children.
5. Comics and graphic
novels. These are particularly good for less able readers. A mix of pictures and text ensure that they can access a story and become immersed
in it.
6. Go with the latest
trend. If your son or daughter is drawn to a current trend eg: Twilight or The Hunger Games, go with it!
7. Play word games. Be it
a game of good old ‘eye-spy’ in the car or fridge magnet words,this all
helps them take an interest in words
8. If your child would rather pick up a magazine or newspaper then that’s fine. Several surveys (
eg Clark & Foster 2005) identified that children will read lighter,
non-fiction texts generally progressed beyond this to works of fiction.
9. Embrace technology.
Children love gadgets and for many reading on a kindle or a laptop is more
preferable than from a paperback. At the end of the day, they are still reading and this should be applauded.
And finally...
10. Forcing
someone to do anything to show them how good it is, very often backfires. Far better to show them how reading can bring great rewards. Show them, don’t tell!
Contact us for Blackhen Education recommended reading lists.
sue@blackheneducation.com
www.blackheneducation.com
