Kids- 6 ways to Inspire a Reluctant Reader

Reading is a BIG DEAL in the Amstutz house right now, as our Kindergartner is learning her sight words and embracing the pages of new books.  It is exciting for her, and also scary!  She has her days when she wants to read, more than anything...and other days when she is just not quite so sure about some of the words, she backs away. 

I have six ways to inspire your own Reluctant Reader!  

These ways are helping build confidence in our Big Girl!

1) Broaden your definition of reading-  Comics, joke books, Mad Libs, even recipes cards all count.  The number one way to turn kids off from books is to pressure them to read a certain kind. Instead, try to let them explore and find what interests them.



2) Sign Up for a Subscription-  There are loads of magazines geared toward popular kid passions like cooking, animals, and sports.  Because most children love the idea of getting their own mail, you can plan on those mags being read cover to cover!  Some of our personal favs are Highlights and the Disney series with the Princesses.  We have even encouraged our three year old to join in and she prefers Peppa Pig and Strawberry Shortcake!

3) Let him/her read whenever, wherever-  He/She wants to lounge with his new mag in the tub?  Fine.  He/She wants to be in charge of the story to her sibling?  Go for it!  In fact, if they like out-of-the-ordinary situations, encourage it!  Pitch a tent, bring out the flashlights and watch the light come on in your child's mind!



4) Hit a garage sale-  There's something special about digging through garage sale bins or the "ten cents each" table at the library.  Choosing a book becomes a treasure hunt instead of a chore.  This is the hunt we are currently on, as this Mama turned her kiddo onto BabySitters Club Little Sisters chapter books and unfortunately, I did not realize they were SO HARD TO FIND!



5) Check the level-  Your child may hear a friend say a particular book is cool, or they may be attracted to the cover ONLY, but when it comes to reading the book, frustration sets in.  Once that happens, they are less likely to try a new book the next time.  Your child's teacher can share your child's reading level with you, but you can also try the five-finger test: Open the middle of the book, and if there are more than five words your child doesn't know, save it to read together.  Three or fewer?  It's a keeper!!!



6)  Get caught reading-  You may have heard it before, but it's worth repeating.  A child who never sees his parents read is going to be a whole lot less likely to believe them when they say it's a great thing to do!  Simple right!!  All you have to do is READ!

Happy Reading!!

~Kel