On The No Higher Calling Podcast: How to Encourage a Reluctant Reader
Read Aloud Together
One of the best things we have done is to introduce our children to the wonder of a good story and create a “bookish” culture in our home. Whether it’s a school read-aloud, an audiobook in the car, or an evening read with Daddy, we always have several read-alouds going at once. It’s been a sweet aspect of family life that has bonded us. And who doesn’t love a good story?!
Enjoy Books Yourself
Let your children see that reading is important to you! Learn to put down the phone and pick up a book. If it is important to you, your children will see it as something that can be important to them.
Let Your Child Choose
A child will be much more likely to dive into a book that interests them! I do assign my children reading and books, but I try to balance that with their selections so reading doesn’t become a chore.
Minimize Distractions
It can be very difficult for a child who is new to reading and decoding to handle distractions. Reading takes quite a bit of effort in the early days, so minimize distractions as much as possible to allow them to focus fully.
Create a Designated Reading Time
Set aside time each day for children to read. This could be during an afternoon quiet time or before bed. Setting aside daily time helps form habits.
Introduce an Engaging Series
Find a series that your child can’t put down! Engaging books will keep your children begging for “just one more chapter”!
Use Audiobooks
This tip came from Whitney Newby with Brighter Day Press. She suggested allowing a child to follow along in their physical book while listening to the audiobook.
Be Okay with Letting Them Read Below Their Level
This builds confidence. If the child understands the context of the story and is making considerable progress, even finishing the book in a reasonable amount of time, this encourages them to keep going.
Be Patient and Encourage Often
Learning to read can be frustrating and discouraging for both child and parent. Keep a positive attitude! Encourage often! Believe that they can grow in their ability and speak that into their heart. One day, the light switch will flip, and it will be so rewarding!
Our Favorite First Series
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
Frog and Toad: The Complete Collection by Arnold Lobel
A Madeline Treasury by Ludwig Bemelmans
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Our Favorite Chapter Books for Girls
Heartwood Hotel by Kallie George
Cobble Street Cousins by Cynthia Rylant
Grandma’s Attic Treasury by Arleta Richardson
Our Favorite Chapter Books for Boys
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Mouse Detective by Eve Titus
The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls Series by M. J. Thomas
The King’s Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin and Kevin Chandler
Beginning Chapter Books for All Ages
Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White
There are many places where you can purchase or borrow books! Some of my favorites for getting books on a budget are thrift stores, Hoopla, Libby, or your local library. If you watch for sales, you can often find deals on Amazon Audible or on physical books on Amazon. Should you choose to purchase these books through the Amazon links I have provided, thank you! They are affiliate links which gives a little back to our ministry at no extra cost to you!
What tips to do you have for encouraging a reluctant reader? I’d love to hear in the comments!
