Make reading fun for dyslexic/reluctant teens

Challenge accepted...

Why is it important?

-Only 28% of English children read regularly compared to 40% average internationally(International Reading Literacy Study)-Being a frequent reader is more of an advantage than having well educated parents Finding ways to engage students in reading may be one of the most effective ways to leverage social change

• We don’t really know why this is • What can we do

Human beings were never born to read (!)

Humans are not hardwired to read we are hardwired for storytelling(Bestsellers, documentaries, blogs, films many successful computer games have story built into them)

Famous writers who have overcome literacy problems

If your child doesn’t like reading What they might need:

• Positive reading experiences

• Regular short reading sessions

• Practice reading out loud

• Paired reading

• Small steps

• Praise

Read what they like

High quality beautfiul books

-Illustrations-Usborne-Michael Foreman-Jan Piiekpwski-Mangas-The Book People-Book Club experience; crossover books-Remember non-fictionReading online (authors offering online resources, free clipsBooks as films, celebrity authors)

Highlands School Library

• Quick reads• Comics, manga, graphic novels• First News• Large fiction/non-fiction collection• Guided help picking books• Kids can choose books for library• Book fairs• Author visits• Fortnightly library lessons Year 7

Enfield libraries

If our library doesn’t have something they will!

Audio books

• Enfield libraries

Other things

• Magazines

• Books as films

Treats

Tips for reading with them

• Find a quiet space away from friends/distractions• Be friendly but firm and insist that you are both there to read.

Problems• They make more than 5 mistakes per page = book is too difficult• STOP THEM and ask questions about they have read to check

understanding.• If they are very weak readers you may have to just get them to read

the important parts, nouns etc• Allow them to attempt a word, give them tips/hints if they get it

wrong• Read every second page to encourage them

Great links for info

• http://pragmasynesi.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/the-secrets-of-storytelling-why-we-love-a-good-yarn/

• http://www.forbes.com/

• http://www.forbes.com/sites/skollworldforum/2013/08/01/the-5-secrets-of-storytelling-for-social-change/

• http://speakfearlessly.net/the-secrets-of-storytelling-why-we-love-a-good-yarn/