Parent Corner

Some helpful tips for reluctant readers

Child Does Not Read Independently

1. Go to the library or book store and encourage your child to select their own book.

2. Recommend "realistic fiction" or nonfiction.

Children have an interest in what they're reading when they can relate to the characters and the story is more believable. They also tend to enjoy reading about something that actually happened to real people or about something they are already interested in.

3. Find the topic your child is interested in.

If you know what your child is interested in you, you can recommend books that are appealing to him/her.

4. Read the book and then watch the movie.

5. Recommend books that you enjoy or look on best seller lists to see what are popular books.

6. Encourage your child to read to a younger sibling or to the pet.

7. Have abundant reading materials at home and make sure they are easily accessible.

8. Find a book series or an author your child enjoys. Visit the library to find more books in the series or by the author.

9. Encourage your child to read for pleasure.

10. Model reading for pleasure at home. Get into the routine of reading daily and encourage your child to join you.

11. Encourage your child to read utilizing a variety of materials: the classic book, books on the computer, iPad, Nooks, e-books...

12. Encouragement. Some children need encouragement to become self-motivated independent learners. You can give frequent, early, positive feedback when you see your child reading.