Ideas and Strategies

for

Reluctant Readers

Children can be reluctant to read for many reasons.  These reasons can be varied, but are usually linked to a lack of self-confidence to attempt to read as well as have an understanding of the relevance of reading - "What is in it for them?"

Some ideas to help a reluctant reader:

• Find a quiet place, special relaxing time to read together daily, even if it is in the bath!
• Find the topic/anima/country or whatever that fires the child's imagination and interests.  Then do as much research as you can to find as much reading material on the topic as possible.
• Continually use the phrase "Have a go!" and praise the attempt, right or wrong.
• Read to them as much and as often as possible, from all kinds of materials.
• If they mis-read a word in a sentence but it still makes sense, do not correct them.
• If a 'difficult' word appears, read it to them.  It is much more important that they maintain comprehension and fluency.
• Explain the story line and main characters of a book before reading.  This helps with new and unfamiliar words.
• Encourage guessing from the picture clues in the book.
• If necessary skip a word and see if they can work it out from the context of the rest of the sentence.
• If your child does not want to read or becomes tired - STOP!
• Research and find as many books relevant to their ages group to fill your home with as  you can.
• Be a reading role model.
• Let them choose a magazine subscription as a Christmas/birthday gift.
  • Give them books as special gifts for special occasions.
  • Devote time and energy to library and book shop visits. Let them choose from a selection, guided by you and/or a librarian.
  • User a timer, if necessary.
  • Remember, reading is all around us - magazines, recipes, signs, joke books, comics and websites are all reading!
  • Write spells like Harry Potter.
  • Read signs on the way home, in the train/bus, even if it is only the first letter.
  • Do not let them see that you are concerned!

Some Useful Websites:

BBC for Schools website with stories for Reception, Years 1, 2 and 3.

 BBC for Schools website with interactive adventure stories.

BBC Radio for Schools site about poetry and rhymes for Years 4-6.

Updated: Saturday, 6th June 2009

for Mel Glover, former SENCO at BST