Quick poll: Which category is your child in?
- LOVES to read!
- Could take it or leave it.
- Really dislikes reading.
Our goal—and I’m guessing it’s your goal too—is to get your child into the first category. But what can you do if your child just isn’t motivated to read? There is actually quite a bit you can do to encourage a love of reading, but first, let’s do some detective work.
Why Doesn’t Your Child Like to Read?
Before you work on motivating your child, it helps if you understand why they resist reading in the first place. Which scenario shows your resistant reader?
“Reading is hard!”
You probably wouldn’t choose hard work as a leisure activity, and that’s true for your child, too. If reading is a struggle, they probably won’t find reading interesting or enjoyable.
If your child is a struggling reader, talk to your child's reading teacher about any struggles they see in the classroom. There are things your child's teacher can do to find out what skills your child may be missing. Once you and your child's teacher identifies and addresses their areas of weakness, then your child will be able to be more of a successful reader.
“Reading is boring!”
For some kids, reading isn’t hard, but it isn’t interesting either. It may be that they just haven’t found reading material that motivates them.
Think about what your child loves to do. Does he have a hobby or special area of interest? Does your son like dinosaurs? Does your daughter like gymnastics? By finding reading material that is of interest and draws them into reading, you’re giving your children a motivational boost.
10 Tips to Motivate Your Child to Read
1. Make time for reading in the evenings and on the weekends.
2. Set aside a regular read-aloud time with your child to listen to them read to you, or to listen to you read to them.
3. Make sure books are not too hard for your child.
4. Create a cozy reading area in your home, or in your child's room.
5. Give your child a variety of books to choose from.
6. Have your child read to a younger child, or have an older child read to your child.
7. Have your child read books with humor.
8. Show a love for reading by having your child see you read.
9. Provide opportunities for your child to get books-check with your local library and your school.
10. Always encourage your child and explain the importance of reading.
