Is your child a reluctant reader? Are you looking for fun ways to encourage them to read and develop their literacy skills? Read on for 15 top tips for encouraging your reluctant reader to learn to read and use language in fun ways (and they won’t even realise they are learning).
AD disclosure – this is a collaborative post brought to you together with Marvel Hero Tales, the award winning literacy app for kids age 5-11 that encourages reading and enhances vocabulary through engaging game play.
Table Of Contents
Take The Pressure Off
One of the biggest issues with reluctant readers when it comes to learning to read is that is becomes a battle. Often the child will show no interest in reading, the parent will respond by being worried about them “falling behind” and coax more. This will cause pressure on the child whom often convinces themselves that they “just can’t do it” which creates a mental block. Suddenly you are stuck in a vicious circle of worry and nagging with some tears & upset thrown in too.
By taking off the pressure, reading will no longer be this “big thing” or a daunting task that everyone dreads. Stepping away from traditional methods and trying a new approach is the best way to break the battle cycle.
Use Topics That They are Interested In
Often the type of books that early readers are expected to read are quite frankly dull. Try reading materials that contain topics or characters that they love and partially spark their attention.
Make It A Game
Learning to read does not have to be done purely through traditional books, it can be through games too!
Super Heroes To The Rescue
If your child hates reading but loves super heroes, Marvel Hero Tales is the perfect solution! Marvel Hero Tales is the award winning app that takes your child on an adventure through a colourful comic book style world. The gameplay is based around collecting and using animated word cards to battle villains. The game expands your child’s vocabulary and helps them to improve their overall literacy through engaging game play that will have them desperate to play more.
The game is the perfect way to sneak activities that enhance reading skills into your reluctant reader’s day without them even knowing (shh, don’t tell).
Marvel Hero Tales is free to download and experience through a free trial before committing to memberships. Download the app now and see how your reluctant reader gets along with it.
To hear an honest account of what my 9 year old son, William, thought of Marvel Hero Tales, check out the vlog below.
Go Graphic
If your kid is not a fan of traditional books, start them off with more pictures based comics or graphic novels. The pictures and bright colours will likely grab their attention for much longer, yet they will still be reading the captions and speech bubbles.
Another benefit of the Marvel Hero Tales game is that kids are not only extending their vocabulary by earning and utilising word cards, but they are reading the comic style text that moves the game along too.
Go Digital
Many reluctant readers often prefer reading on tablets than reading actual books. On tablets the sizing of the lettering can be changed to suit the reader. Often something as simple as increasing the size of the text can make reading less daunting as there are less words visible on each page.
Those reluctant readers that prefer tablets over paper books should definitely download and try Marvel Hero Tales.
Show Them How Reading Will Help Them
Often the lightbulb moment for reluctant reader is the they realise that reading can actually benefit them in their day to day life as a kid. When it clicks that reading isn’t just some chore of ploughing through dull books, but can make it easier for them, your child will view things differently. Point out things in their day to day lives that are so much easier when they can be read independently such as how they’ll be able to to understand games, read a text message, choose from a menu or see what’s on TV.
Take Every Opportunity To Read
When you are out and about, ask your child to read road signs, ask them what they would like to order form a menu and what the aisle signs say in the supermarket.
At home ask them to read words on labels, cereal boxes and shampoo. These little bite sized reading challenges will make all the difference as they add up.
If your child has access to a phone or tablet, send them text messages or email to read about things that will interest them and ask family members to do the same.
Make Reading Rewarding
Little mini rewards for effort with reading go a long way. I’m not suggesting that rewards only be dished out for getting things 100% correct, but rewarding effort will help to make reading a positive experience. They want to go to the park? Then try reading some signs on the way there before you go in. Your kid wants dessert? Sure, as long as they have a go at reading what’s available on the menu first.
If your child is given some reading homework that they are reluctant to attempt, the promise of some screen time afterwards will make them far more eager to get on with it.
Bonus tip: make that screen time a literacy app like Marvel Hero Tales and they are even having some more literacy learning as they play! Win win.
Turn On the Subtitles
It’s amazing how much can be gained from simply turning on the subtitles when your child is watching TV. They will naturally begin to associate the words on the screen with those they are hearing which will help to improve their sight reading and spelling.
Take Turns
When reading with your child, either in books or out in the world, try taking turns. Taking turns allows you to model your natural flow as you read and breaks it up and gives them a break too.
Let Them Choose
Giving your child some ownership over what they read. Ask them which types of books they would like to read and be read. Take them to a bookstore or a library and let them physically select their own books.
Even an either or of “would you like this book or that one” can often be better received than simply asking them to read one book.
Movie Magic
Is there a film that your child is desperate to see? Find out if there is a book version of the film (even if it’s an abridged or picture book version) and promise that they can see they film once they have read the book first.
Model A Reading Habit
Channel your inner bookworm and get reading! If your child sees you reading for pleasure they will understand (even if just on a subconscious level to begin with) that reading can be a positive and fun experience.
Create A Reading Den
A reading den can be a comfy corner with cushions, a tent in the playroom or a blanket slung over a bunk bed. Whichever way you do it, creating a special reading zone can help your child to associate reading with being cosy, comfy and relaxed while having fun.
Keep At It
Don’t lose heart! While many parents feel like they are banging their heads against the wall and their reluctant readers may never “get it”, it’s usually just a case of hanging in there until reading clicks. Try to keep your cool, try the tactics mentioned here and juts keep at it.
Remember, as with anything to do with your child’s development or health, if you think your child has a bigger problem with reading, such as dyslexia, speak to your child’s teacher or health care provider.
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