Maybe this scene sounds familiar: your child, always a willing reader, suddenly refuses to pick up a book. You know that there are no learning difficulties, so why is your child suddenly resistant to reading? Even the best readers go through occasional slumps, and often a little parent or teacher intervention can help your child rediscover the joy of reading.
Check their vision
Children who have previously been prolific readers may become reluctant if they begin experiencing vision problems. Watch the child carefully when reading: does the child hold the book too closely, at a distance, or squint to make out the words? Do his eyes cross when reading? If a child is not reading because of vision problems, a professional eye exam may be in order.
Look for signs of stress
If your child is feeling an undue amount of stress, they may “shut down” and appear to rebel against reading. Reading is a strenuous task, especially for young readers, so avoiding the act is one way to conserve energy. If the child feels overextended due to a hectic schedule, family conflicts, or even problems with friends, she may opt for more low-key and less active pursuits, like an increase in television viewing. In these cases, it may be necessary for parents to rearrange the schedule or make a concerted effort to help the child avoid stress while steering her back toward reading as a source of pleasure.
Parents and teachers know that friends influence children’s behavior. If a friend is being less than supportive of your child’s reading, either through comments or actions, your child may feel pressured to give up reading to fit in. If that’s the case, gentle words of encouragement and support are necessary. Reassure your child that reading is a meaningful interest and that friends should not dictate what activities others enjoy.
What books is the child reading? Perhaps he has become reluctant because the reading material is either boring or difficult. Reading material that is too easy does not challenge a child’s abilities or mind enough to maintain interest. On the other hand, some children choose reading material that is beyond their capabilities in an effort to appear more grown up or to keep up with older students or siblings. Steer your child to a more appropriate reading choice that best reflects his reading interests and abilities.
An uninspired selection of choices
How limited are the children’s book choices? Do they reflect the child’s interests? If not, a change in the selection may be appropriate. Offering children a wide variety of options across a range of reading levels can help reluctant readers find a book in which they may be interested. It is especially beneficial to steer a reluctant reader towards a series of books. Once they find enjoyment in the first book, they will be motivated to reach for the second book in the series.
As parents and teachers, it can be alarming when a solid reader suddenly becomes reluctant. It is important to remember that it is not uncommon. Helping the reader overcome whatever obstacles he is facing will allow the child to rediscover the joy of reading.