The Reluctant Reader

What is a reluctant reader? Well, my son. Yes, he is a reluctant reader. However, when he gets into a book then I can't get him out. It's wonderful when that happens, but it's also rare. It's not that he's unable to read, in fact he continuously tests four grades higher in reading than he's in. He's a great reader, he just doesn't enjoy it. During my years of dealing with this, I have learned a few tricks and I thought I'd share.

1. He can stop reading a book. That's right, he gets to put it down if it's boring him. I do encourage him to try to read ten percent of a book before giving up on it, but I never force him to finish a book he doesn't like. This causes him to associate something he dislikes with reading and that's the opposite of what I'm doing.

2. It doesn't have to be his reading level. This doesn't mean that I let him get away with reading toddler books but if he's in fifth grade with a ninth grade reading level and reading a third grade level chapter book, I'm okay with that. He's still reading.

3. Audio books are great, too! Have you ever done the research on the benefits of audio books? You should. If not... here's a quick synopsis. Think about the benefits of reading - vocabulary, story elements, imagination, comprehension, increased reading level.

Now, think about the benefits of that which would apply to an audio book? Pretty much all of those listed except the increased reading level. The child still increases vocabulary, learns about story elements, increases their imagination and creativity, and work on their comprehension skills. It's amazing! My son listens to an audio book for at least an hour every day. Hey, it's better than the TV.

4. Graphic Novels! They are fabulous! Yes, I'm serious, lots of pictures, action packed, and still reading. Graphic novels normally skip all the fine details and just go straight into the story. It normally moves pretty quickly, too, and for reluctant readers, this is essential because they often get bogged down in the details and get bored.

5. No more bedtimes! Okay, how about an extended bedtime? My kids have to be in bed at 8pm. However, if they want to read then they are allowed to stay awake reading until 9pm. This gets my kids reading because who wants to go to bed?

6. Use technology. There are a few ways to do this. The most obvious are with ebooks. A lot of today's children are more comfortable with technology so they're more likely to read an ebook.

Another option involves video games. There are a lot of video games that involve a TON of reading and it's a great way to get them reading. You just need to make sure you do a lot of research about a video game before you get it for your child.

Of course, there's always the silent television time. You turn off the sound for a favorite TV show and turn on subtitles. They have to read to know what's going on.

7. Read a book together. You read a chapter then the child reads a chapter. It keeps the child interested in the book while still getting the child to read the book.

8. Movie rewards... as in, have the child read the book and when finished you all get to watch the movie. It's great incentive and a wonderful way to learn that books are always better. ;)

9. Joke books are great for reluctant readers. It's small snippets at a time that result in a laugh. These are especially great for boys.

10. Wanna be sneaky? How about start reading a book out loud that you think your child will be interested in? Then, get busy and unable to continue reading. You may find your reluctant reader picking up that book and reading it him/herself.

Hopefully some of these ideas will help you get your reluctant reader to read! Good luck!

Now, I better get back to my Nanowrimo! :D