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While your child may frown at the mere mention of reading, there are clever ways to nurture a love for stories.
Once upon a time, there was a child who groaned whenever their parent brought up the reading log for school. “Just a few more pages,” the parent would urge. “Ugh,” the child would respond. Instead of diving into books, the child preferred engaging with tablets during car rides, and when they unwrapped a book on their birthday, their excitement visibly waned. The parent worried that their child would never enjoy reading, while the child dreaded endless reading prompts from their parent. This scenario is all too common.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, children’s recreational reading has significantly declined over the past four decades. In 2020, only 42% of nine-year-olds reported reading daily for pleasure, down from 53% in 1984. Meanwhile, just 17% of thirteen-year-olds read for fun daily—a stark contrast to 35% in the same age group in 1984.
While screens might seem to be the obvious culprit, the issue is more complex. As outlined by the parenting education site Understood.org, various factors may contribute to a child’s disinterest in reading. Perhaps they haven’t yet discovered the joy of being engrossed in a story, viewing reading as merely a school obligation. Alternatively, they may face challenges with reading mechanics that frustrate them, making it difficult for them to express their feelings about reading.
If your child is part of the ‘reading-resistant’ group, here are eight expert strategies to help them develop a love for literature, inspired by Sofia Lin, a children’s publishing advocate and mother of two enthusiastic readers.
1. Encourage Relatable Stories
“Kids want to feel seen and heard,” Lin shares. It’s vital that the books you present resonate with their experiences. If classic titles like Johnny Tremain or The Witch of Blackbird Pond don’t connect, guide them to stories that align with their own lives.
2. Allow Choice in Reading Material
Lin emphasizes the importance of letting kids pick their own books. Regular trips to the library can help them discover what truly piques their interest. While it might be challenging to watch them bypass your beloved titles, fostering a genuine love for reading means respecting their preferences.
3. Embrace Illustrations and Fun Reads
It might be tempting to push chapter books, but the goal is to foster enthusiasm for reading, not discourage them with overwhelming text. If your child prefers graphic novels or humorous series, embrace it! This could be the gateway to deeper literary interests.
4. Make Reading a Shared Experience
Reading together can transform the activity into a bonding moment. Lin advises engaging with the story by asking questions and using different voices for characters to keep it entertaining. Establish a cozy reading routine to make it a cherished part of your day.
5. Take Turns Reading
When reading aloud, switch off reading duties. Lin finds that this back-and-forth keeps kids engaged and helps enhance their reading skills in a fun way.
6. Start in the Car, Finish at Home
Use audiobooks during car rides to hook them on a story. Once they’re intrigued, suggest continuing the adventure at home with the physical book.
7. Stay Informed About Their Reading Choices
Lin likes to keep track of what her children are reading, allowing her to join in on discussions. This not only deepens their understanding but also makes reading a shared family activity.
8. Provide Ample Opportunities
Just as you might encourage hydration when your child is unwell, offer books whenever boredom strikes. Whether it’s in the car or during downtime, provide them with options to read.
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In summary, nurturing a love for reading in reluctant readers requires creativity, patience, and an understanding of their unique interests. By providing relatable stories, allowing them to choose, and making reading a fun, shared experience, you can help transform reading from a chore into a cherished activity.