Introduction
My child won't read you say, they're addicted to their screens! This is all too familiar to me! Getting a reluctant reader to love books can seem like an impossibility, but with the right approach, you can spark a lifelong love for reading.
Here's what this article will cover
Evaluating your child's interests
Observing Short Stories
Building Reading Corners
Setting Reading Routines
Parent Reading Time
1. What are your child's interests?
My child was addicted to Youtube, he'd watch videos on gaming, toy reviews, pranks and anything else that would make him laugh. His screen time increased every day, I would barely see him look up from his tablet! If I presented him with a book, he would quickly turn away. Enough was enough, I started to observe the kind of content he enjoyed most. I quickly noticed that the gaming content was of a fantasy genre, Minecraft for one. So I started there! I started to show him fantasy books. I didn't make him read them, we just talked about them to peak his interest, and he was in fact interested! So my first tip is to find books that align with their hobbies, whether it’s sports, gaming, or fantasy. When the topic resonates, they’re more likely to engage.
2. Short Stories
I showed my son the shorter stories first with easy-follow-plots, so he wasn't intimidated by the length. And again, I didn't make him read them! He began to flick through the books anyway and observed the pictures. We made progress! I asked him 'What's this one about then?' And he began to read me the blurb. So this is the next tip, present your child with short stories or graphic novels with captivating visuals offering quick rewards and building confidence in your reluctant reader.
3. Reading Corner
Together, we made a cozy, distraction-free corner where the books can be kept. It included comfy seating, beanbags, cushions and gentle lighting to create a warm atmosphere. I told him that this is where I'd like to keep the books. Again no pressure to read them!
4. Reading Routine
At this point, I gently encouraged him to spend 10 minutes a day in his cozy corner and have a look through the new fantasy books I'd just bought. I had a plan to start small and gradually build up the time. He became particularly interested in one story and so I told him to read the first page and tell me what he's found out. The key here was to make reading a regular habit without overwhelming him.
5. Parent Reading Time
I spent some time in the reading corner myself, reading some children's novels! And absolutely loved it! I started to share my excitement about the books with him and he always listened! When he saw me reading and enjoying books, he was more keen to follow.
6. Praising Progress
After he started to spend longer looking down at a book rather than a screen, I praised him more and more! And when he finished a chapter, we certainly celebrated! I encouraged him to talk about the book over dinner and to family and friends. Positive reinforcement kept him motivated.
7. Exploring Genres
I then took my son to a bookshop and browsed some other genres. Some he turned his nose up at, but others held his interest. So we managed to expand his horizons! Some kids may not enjoy fiction but might love non-fiction, science books, or even humorous stories.
8. Interactive Reading
The experimentation did not stop at genres! I presented him with audio books, read-aloud sessions, and even gave digital reading apps a go. Whilst he did listen, engage and interact, it was still wonderful to see him go back and pick up a book! Sometimes, the format can make a big difference, and combining reading with listening can help improve comprehension and enjoyment, so experiment!
9. Incorporating Activities
To maintain his new love for readings, I tried to connect the stories to real-life activities. For example, he really got into the Harry Potter series, so we visited the Harry Potter studios! And he absolutely loved it! So another tip for you, if your child enjoys a book about space for example, visit a planetarium or do a fun space-related craft.
10. Embracing Choice
I began to take a step back and let him decide what he would read next. This freedom seemed to foster a sense of ownership and excitement. We continued to discuss genres and stories over dinner and I can honestly say, I'd call him a bookworm!
Conclusion
Turning a reluctant reader into a bookworm takes time, patience, and creativity. By connecting reading to their interests, creating a positive environment, and offering encouragement along the way, you’ll help them develop a love for books that lasts a lifetime. Next, discover the power of reading on children's mental resilience here.
Happy reading!