Books and tips for reluctant readers
Once you've gotten past all the hard work of supporting your child through the learning-to-read years, it can come as a shock to many parents that their child shows no desire to put his new reading skills to good use by picking up a book.
Whether it's lack of confidence or a difficulty finding a book that interests them, many children can become reluctant readers once able to read independently. Here are some simple ways you can encourage your reluctant reader.
Read together daily
Continue reading with your child every day. Kids benefit from reading with you for years after they are able to read alone. Not only does this reading time encourage you to spend time together as well as develop his listening skills, it also allows your child to enjoy books that are well beyond his own reading level.
Choose books together
Take a trip to the local library and choose together this way, you can talk about why a particular book might be good to try, which will help your child identify the types of books he likes. You may also wish to buy some books as rewards for good behaviour, in which case you can head to the book store together to see which books catch his eye and have a discussion about what he likes about it.
Don't make reading a chore
Just because your child may be a good reader, don't suck the fun out of the activity by insisting he read only challenging books at his reading level. To encourage an enjoyment of reading, offer books that you may consider too easy for him - with a couple of books read in good time, your child may then be prepared to try something a little more challenging in his own time.
Model good reading behaviour
If your reluctant reader never sees his parents reading for enjoyment, it is unlikely that he is ever going to spontaneously make the time to read. Make sure that you spend time together reading your own books. This way, your child will begin to think about reading as an enjoyable quiet time activity.
Introduce book series
Too often, reluctant readers resist reading because they can't find that perfect book to read. And then when they do find a title they love, it is finished all too soon. Try introducing book series as a way of enticing your child to move from one book to another. With series, the characters and storylines are already familiar, so there's more chance your reluctant reader will continue reading.
5 top books for reluctant readers
Written by Anna Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble
Slender little books containing two separate stories in each, the Tashi series is just perfect for newly independent readers who are having trouble getting reading on their own. Illustrated with gorgeous line drawings, the Tashi books follow the adventures of Jack and his imaginaryfriend, Tashi. Tashi is a brave little gnome-like character who out-smarts all manner of characters - genies, giants, ghosts, demons and witches - with his courage and quick thinking.
Written by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
Roald Dahl is probably best known for his children's novels, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Matilda, but The BFG (or, The Big Friendly Giant for those not already in the know) is Dahl's best novel for reluctant readers. Not only is the BFG one of Dahl's most loveable characters, but he has magicked up a terrifically engaging story of kidnap and adventure that will appeal to even the most resistant of readers.
Clarice Bean series
Written and illustrated by Lauren Child
Clarice Bean began life in Lauren Child's wonderful picture books. Star of such modern-day classics as Clarice Bean, That's Me and Clarice Bean, What Planet Are You From? most kids will already be on first-name terms with the irrepressible Clarice from their preschool years. With Clarice Bean now featuring in three chapter books, complete with Bean's trademark quirky illustrations, older children can continue to enjoy all the mischief Clarice gets into on a daily basis.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney
It would be hard to find a kid who couldn't be won over by the delightful "novel in cartoons" that is the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Very, very funny, this series follows the highs and lows of self-styled wimpy kid, Greg Heffley as he records his daily life in the diary that his mum has forced him to keep. Boys, in particular, will find much to laugh at as they enjoy the fast-paced, action-packed (mis)adventures of Greg.
Judy Moody series
Written by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H Reynolds
Judy Moody is, as her name implies, is a little girl given to moods. Some days she's in a happy mood, and others she's in a bad, bad mood. And when she's in a bad mood, you need to watch out! And having a little "bother" called Stink doesn't make day any better either... Most children will delight in recognising a little of themselves in the mercurial Judy Moody as she tackles the challenges of school, friends and family head-on. In Judy Moody, author Megan McDonald has created a wonderfully engaging character who will win over the hearts of the most toughened non-readers around.
Find more articles on literacy and learning:
- Start literacy in the womb
- What to know about reading to babies
- How toddlers learn to read
- Share the books your family likes to read
- The magic of discovering books
- Why books are important for toddlers
- Literacy milestones for preschoolers
- How reading begins for ages four to six
This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot, Australia's leading pregnancy and parenting resource.