Ways to Inspire a Reluctant Reader
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
It’s quite a magical thing when your child starts to put letters together and read. But how do you get to the magic when they fight you, sometimes in tears, not wanting to read or pick up a book? Here are some ways to make reading fun for even the most reluctant reader.
1. Make it a theme
Reading can become fun when you use a book as inspiration for field trips, art projects, and even what to eat. Every week, choose a book and then create crafts, a dinner menu, or go on an outing that relates to that book.
For example, if you are reading a book that has a fish as a character, read the book with your child. Then have them create an art piece that has to do with fish. Take a trip to your local aquarium as an outing that relates back to their book. You can even make cookies in the shape of a fish. The possibilities are endless. Check out NoTimeForFlashCards.com for more fun activities related to books.
2. Read to your little ones
Monkey see, monkey do. When your keiki see you reading (start when they are young…it’s never too early to start reading to your child), they are more likely to want to do it themselves. Make it a routine to read together every night before bed. For the older child, choose a chapter book and read one chapter to them each night. Have them take a few pages to read themselves; they will love sharing this activity with you.
3. Think outside the box
Reading doesn’t have to be done via a book. There are words and sentences nearly everywhere we look. From menus to street signs to billboards, words are all around us. Challenge your child to find a word while playing a sort of “I spy” game. This is fun to do at dinner–“can you find the word “soup?” Use the menu as a way to get them to use their reading skills. Have them read to you the specials or just the kids menu.
Words and reading are all around us. Think outside the box to make reading fun.
