Help reluctant readers discover a love for books, with some great tips that you can apply right now to help motivate and engage your child to start reading today
Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to knowledge, creativity, and personal growth. But some kids struggle to engage with books and other reading materials.
Understanding the reasons behind why our little ones are reluctant to read and finding effective ways to help them overcome it can go a long way to getting them to start reading.
Well, for some little ones experiencing reading difficulties can make the process challenging and frustrating. Others might find reading uninteresting because they haven't found something that interests them.
It could also stem from a lack of confidence in themselves or their reading abilities, previous negative experiences, or as simple as the overwhelming number of distractions in today’s digital world driven by (super fun, super engaging) tech.
Start by introducing reading materials that align with their interests. Sometimes graphic novels, comic books, magazines, and other picture books are great options that often feel less intimidating than traditional books.
Books that are shorter could also feel “easier” to read as they progress through the story arc quicker, so your child doesn’t need to try and keep their attention on the book for long stretches at a time.
It's also helpful to jot down some achievable reading goals (like a few pages each night before bed), allowing young readers to experience success and build confidence gradually.
Motivating reluctant readers involves leveraging their interests and providing positive reinforcement to get their next reads into their hands.
It’s also really helpful to encourage them to pick their own books - especially when they revolve around their favourite character or theme - think books about dancing or books about trucks. This fosters a sense of ownership and control over their reading journey.
It’s also important to establish a routine around daily reading to build consistency and celebrate every little milestone to make reading a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Nooksy’s collection of books covers a broad range of topics and is so easy to get started with, whether you’re still reading to your kids, or if they’re already old enough to read by themselves.
So join us, and let’s overcome reading reluctance together.
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