How Can I Encourage My Reluctant Reader?

According to Stacy DeBroff, studies show that as students move through the grades, voluntary reading decreases and negative attitudes toward reading increases. This often happens during middle school. Although your child may have loved reading when he/she was younger, extracurricular activities and friends often become more appealing than books. Below are some things you can do to encourage a reluctant reader:

1. All kids go through stages during which they read a lot and others in which they barely touch a book. Don't worry. Let your child move through these phases naturally and without forcing him/her to read.

2. Allow your child to read comics and books of interest as long as he/she is reading.

3. Check to see if there are any new movies or shows based on children's books, like Holes, Harry Potter, or Stuart Little.

4. For younger children see the movie after the book is finished.

5. Going to the theater can bring drama alive for your child and may encourage him/her to read the play later.

5. If you spend a lot of time in the care with your child, pick out book-on-tape to listen to together as you drive.

6. Many children have very busy schedules, so brief magazine articles may be more appealing to them then a lengthy book. (Examples: anthologies, short stories, or poetry)

7. Children who are just starting to take interest in books tend to leaf through them without stopping at many pages. Provide them with magazines to get them started.