reaching reluctant readers

Reaching Reluctant Readers

Liz MillerResource Teacher

Rosa Lee Carter ES

Learn characteristics of a reluctant reader Learn ways to support and encourage

reluctant readers at home Learn how to choose resources

Intent of this session

A reluctant reader is a child who has the capability of reading, but who chooses not to read when given the choice

Shows little enthusiasm for reading at school or home

Doesn’t take many library or classroom books home

Spends significantly less time reading by choice

Definitions

Upper elementary grades experience a reading interest “slump”

Do not see reading as something fun – all work Most often cited reason is lack of interesting

things to read or too busy doing other things to read

Almost 70% of students identified as reluctant readers spend an hour or less each week reading for pleasure

What the research says

10 practical strategies for home

Read aloud to them All about choice Make time Make space Read what they read

Variety Series/Author Connect to real life Audio-books Other technology

Read aloud

Ideally every night, but at least a few times a week

Modeling fluency and expression

Make it interesting – give voices to characters

Leave them hanging at good parts

All about choices

Any books and any topics they want

Different genres of books

Remove pressure of reading levels

Steer but don’t force

Make time

Set aside time each day devoted to reading As little as 15-30 minutes

Whole family or at least a designated quiet time

Not for homework – just reading for fun

Can be read aloud or individual time

Make space

Designate a space Let your kids help

design it A corner or certain

spot on the couch Comfy, cozy and

welcoming – free of other distractions

Read what they read

See why they chose it Be ready to talk

about it Help them expand

upon it Maybe find

something new yourself

Model reading yourself

Variety

Nontraditional forms of reading

Magazines, poetry, music lyrics, newspapers, comic books, recipes, etc.

Series and authors

Get them hooked on a series or author through reading it together

Help them find similar series/authors

Getting to know familiar characters helps them feel connected

Connect it to real life

Use their real life interests to help them choose what to read

Motivate them to read through family activities

Read about topics before experiences

Audio Books

Listen in the car or waiting at appointments

Another good way to get them hooked on series or author

Modeling fluency, expression

Readily available

Using technology

iPads/Kindles/Nooks The way many adults

now read E-Books

Can help with reading skills and motivation

Endless possibilities for topics and interests

Tips direct from elementary kids:Let kids pick out their own books: “My dad would read to me any book I wanted – no matter

how hard, how silly or how many times we’ve read it before – he would read me anything. “

Let kids see you read:“If parents don’t read in front of their kids then kids will think they’re not supposed to want to either and won’t do it as much.”

Reading together is a time to show your love: “It is not just the books but how my mom read the books. It

was sitting close and just spending quiet time together.” “It’s my mom’s favorite thing to do – she makes the books

sound funny by doing different voices and being silly.”

From the mouths of babes…

School and public libraryStarfall and TumblebooksApp store – search for interactive booksRaz-Kids ($)Book trailers – for older kidsScholastic.com – The StacksMeeGenius App ($)

Suggested resources

Questions?