Reaching Reluctant Readers
Reaching Reluctant ReadersLiz MillerResource TeacherRosa Lee Carter ES
Learn characteristics of a reluctant readerLearn ways to support and encourage reluctant readers at homeLearn how to choose resources
Intent of this session
2A reluctant reader is a child who has the capability of reading, but who chooses not to read when given the choiceShows little enthusiasm for reading at school or homeDoesnt take many library or classroom books homeSpends significantly less time reading by choiceDefinitions
For these kids reading has lost its pleasure Reading should be more than just for information, communication or recoding of facts is an entire experience3Upper elementary grades experience a reading interest slump Do not see reading as something fun all workMost often cited reason is lack of interesting things to read or too busy doing other things to readAlmost 70% of students identified as reluctant readers spend an hour or less each week reading for pleasure
What the research says
Upper elementary is when the shift from learning to read to reading to learn happens informational text
410 practical strategies for home
Read aloud to themAll about choiceMake timeMake spaceRead what they read
VarietySeries/AuthorConnect to real lifeAudio-booksOther technology
Intrinsic versus extrinsic motivators5Read aloudIdeally every night, but at least a few times a weekModeling fluency and expressionMake it interesting give voices to charactersLeave them hanging at good parts
All about choicesAny books and any topics they wantDifferent genres of booksRemove pressure of reading levelsSteer but dont force
Make timeSet aside time each day devoted to readingAs little as 15-30 minutesWhole family or at least a designated quiet timeNot for homework just reading for funCan be read aloud or individual time
Make spaceDesignate a spaceLet your kids help design itA corner or certain spot on the couchComfy, cozy and welcoming free of other distractions
Read what they readSee why they chose itBe ready to talk about itHelp them expand upon itMaybe find something new yourselfModel reading yourself
VarietyNontraditional forms of reading Magazines, poetry, music lyrics, newspapers, comic books, recipes, etc.
Series and authorsGet them hooked on a series or author through reading it togetherHelp them find similar series/authorsGetting to know familiar characters helps them feel connected
Connect it to real lifeUse their real life interests to help them choose what to readMotivate them to read through family activitiesRead about topics before experiences
Audio BooksListen in the car or waiting at appointmentsAnother good way to get them hooked on series or authorModeling fluency, expressionReadily available
Using technology
iPads/Kindles/NooksThe way many adults now readE-BooksCan help with reading skills and motivationEndless 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 weve read it before he would read me anything. Let kids see you read:If parents dont read in front of their kids then kids will think theyre not supposed to want to either and wont 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. Its my moms favorite thing to do she makes the books sound funny by doing different voices and being silly.From the mouths of babes
16School and public libraryStarfall and TumblebooksApp store search for interactive booksRaz-Kids ($)Book trailers for older kidsScholastic.com The StacksMeeGenius App ($)Suggested resources
Questions?
