Encouraging a Reluctant Reader 7 Tips for Home

1. Let them pick what to read. “You can offer ideas and choices; you can guide their selection; you can even teach them how to determine whether a book is at their reading level . . . but let your child make the final choice(s).” ~Melissa Taylor, Book Love . then, encourage daily reading at least 10 minutes.

2. Make books available : We have books everywhere. Keep them in a basket in the living room, in the playroom, in the kids’ bedroom and in the bathroom. You might also try to have books in the car.

3. Continue reading aloud. “Why? Because you’ll build vocabulary, expand background knowledge, and talk about new and difficult concepts. Not only that, it’s a time to relax and bond with your child.” ~ Melissa Taylor, Book Love

4. Try getting the app, HOOPLA from the Deschutes Public Library, it’s free to download and listen to Read Along books.  This will allow your child to see the book and its words while it is being read to them.

5. Try the app, Khan Academy Kids.  It's free and the library of this app has books it can read to your child, games to work on letters, reading, math and even logic.  

6. Start learning to type!  This skill will improve your spelling, fine motor coordination and when you are needing to write longer paragraphs and essays it will make the neatness and spelling components much easier.  I personally like keyboarding without tears.  It was designed by an Occupational Therapist and also works on keyboarding citizenship.  Another option is Typekids, it is very motivating as it tells you a story about a pirate while you are working through your typing drills. 

7. Work on sight words as flashcards, quizlet, games like Kaboom, Zap and so many others online, because the stronger your student is at reading these words… the easier reading will be.