Mt. Pleasant Public Library

Reluctant Readers

How to Spot (and Help) a Reluctant Reader – By Julie Halpern

- There are different kinds of reluctant readers. There are the overscheduled children. There are the ones who say they can’t find books that interest them. Then there are others who struggle with reading and as a result, don’t enjoy it.

-With time and patience an adult can introduce children to the variety of interests, genres, and reading levels the library offers. With a little time and attention, reluctant readers will hopefully discover a love fore reading they never thought possible.

Getting Past “But I don’t Like to Read”

-Which books will whet the appetite of a reluctant reader? This group tends to have specific tastes; handing over a Newbery winner of the latest best-selling children’s novel probably won’t sell them on books. The solution? a reference interview! Children will most likely warm to one or all of the following suggestions: non-fiction, graphic novels or fantasy books.

-Non-fiction allows children to see just how vast the selection of books available to them really is. Graphic novels, while incredible forms of literature and art, appear less intimidating to reluctant readers because of the picture-to-word ration. Their eye-catching covers don’t hurt, either.

-Fantasy is also a welcome genre for reluctant readers. Fantasy books cover a wide variety of themes: adventure, mystery, historical fiction, and humor, while placing the reading into a different world from their own.

-Fantasy tends to appeal equally to boys and girls, with many tories featuring strong characters of both genders. Fantasy novels are written at a variety of reading levels and content ranges, and often are produced as part of a series. Series books are a great solution to the reluctant reader challenge, as children get hooked on a story that spans several books.

Tips for Reluctant Readers

-Make Books Visible. Spines of books, even with catchy titles, won’t attract non-readers. no matter what they say, we all judge books by their covers.

-Read aloud an enticing paragraph to grab a reader’s interest.Find a juicy, scary, funny, or suspenseful paragraph and read it aloud.

-Choose books in a series to keep them reading. Genre fiction, such as fantasy and science fiction, offers children a safe escape for the imagination.

-Make books available.

-Pick paperbacks over hardcover. Paperback books can seem like less of a challenge or chore to a reluctant reader.

-Get them into the library any way you can?Reluctant readers may not only be hesitant to read, they may be averse to visiting a library in the first place.

-Don’t judge them. Just because a book is critically acclaimed, award-winning, or even well-written doesn’t meant that every child will enjoy it. Allow children to explore comic books, magazines, and lighter series books. Remember, they are still reading. Keep them stocked in books they like.

-Don’t give up. It’s very frustration to ask a child what they are interested in when they claim to have zero interests. Give them a variety or suggestions, both fiction and non-fiction. Even if they don’t take home any of your choices the first time, they’ll revel in the attention you give them and recognize your enthusiasm for books. Eventually they’ll come around, and you will have created a connection to a potential life-long reader.

Online Resources for Parents and Educators

-Reading Rockets

www.readingrockets.org

National multimedia project that looks at kids and reading, great source for articles, tips and suggestions.

-Reading is Fundamental

www.rif.org

Recommended reading for all different ages and information about libraries.

-American Library Association

www.ala.org

Recommended reading for all different ages and information about libraries.

-International Reading Association

www.reading.org