Education | the 3 R’s: Reaching Reluctant Readers
As a middle school Literacy teacher, I come across reluctant readers on an hourly basis. It is probably the biggest struggle I experience. While I realize I may not be able to convert every child into a reader, I am told by a few parents each year that “Johnny has never wanted to read before he came to your class!” I think my success in this department stems from my reluctance as a child.
Before trying these tips, I think it is important that we switch our perspective about a child’s aversion to reading. Even if a child says, “I hate reading”, the truth is there are very few people on earth who actually hate it. A child that says this just hasn’t figured out what it is they like to read. As parents or teachers, we can do things to expose our children to different genres of books without having them feel pressured.
1. Do not bribe a child to read.
It doesn’t work. It also doesn’t help them find intrinsic motivation to continue to read once the prize is awarded. When I was in middle school my mom offered to pay me to read. I made no money.
2. Let your child choose the type of book they want to read.
Of course, you may need to use controlled choices if they’ve chosen something inappropriate, but handing a book to a reluctant reader to “try” is like handing a can of spam to a world-class chef. Be aware that it is okay if they choose books that are easy to read, as adults do this all of the time. If you’re over the age of 11 and read any of the Hunger Games books, you’ve chosen an easy read. The important part of students choosing is they have a voice and a positive experience making that choice.
3. If your child has chosen a book to read, why not read together?
I often choose books to read in my class that students wouldn’t normally pick and we all end up clapping in the end. This is a great time to bond, and create a positive reading experience for your child.
4. Audiobooks
Audiobooks can be expensive, but they are a great tool to use for children who have trouble with reading accuracy, or for children who will open a book and pretend to read. This works very well if your child is assigned a book for summer reading. Remember that your local library will have a good collection of audiobooks. Larger library consortiums often have downloadable audiobooks. Or, you can use this as a great opportunity to spend those iTunes gift cards you get at Christmas.
5. Don't bother
If you see your child actively reading and this surprises you, don’t let it show. Some reluctant readers will decide that they shouldn’t get caught reading and they may abandon their book. A few years ago a parent was so excited that she saw her son reading a book, she looked up the title online. She found that his book was one book in a series of fifteen books, so she bought them all. As soon as his mom wanted any part in it, he never wanted to read the series again.
Finally, for extreme reluctance, you may need some reverse psychology. Add going to the bookstore to your list of Saturday to-do’s and drag the kids along with you. Announce to them that you are going there to get something for yourself. Check useful apps for elementary students. When they start to look around (which they will), tell them you don’t have a lot of time or money. If they come to you with a book they are interested in, your response should be nonchalant and keep them guessing about whether or not you want to buy it for them – since, of course, you came here for your book. In the end, buy the book, but by no means let them know you’re happy about it.
Every child is different, and everyone develops their own love of reading on their own time. With these tips you may be able to help speed up the process.