Author Neil Gaiman wrote, “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” Reading to your children at an early age is a fantastic way to begin their journeys to creativity. Time spent in the magic of stories exploring the Ozark Mountains, smelling the gunpowder at Gettysburg, or climbing trees with the Robinson family can set a path toward a lifelong love of books! Reading also helps develop your child’s analytical thinking skills, memory, imagination, and vocabulary, among other inspirational benefits.
However, what if you have a reluctant reader? What if your child doesn’t enjoy reading, or finds it challenging? How can you help your student develop one of the most important skills they will carry to adulthood? Follow these four recommendations to begin a path toward great reading, regardless the age of your child.
4 Tips for Reluctant Readers
- Find Great Resources
One of my favorite places to find inspiration is Read Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie. From podcasts to book lists, Sarah’s goal is to help parents find ways to connect with their children through the wonder of books.There are many great resources at your local library, as well as online! Take advantage of some of these and see if it helps engage your youngster.
- Make It Count
Consider allowing your child’s reading to be inspired by their interests. As home school parents, we tend to assign reading only as a lesson requirement, rather than allowing reading to be a reward. By extending freedom to select materials that are aligned with your child’s interests, you will help capture your child’s attention and promote reading. Read Aloud Revival has a great list of books for consideration.
- Schedule Time to Read
It’s easy to wish there was time for reading, but in reality, reading time must be scheduled to ensure it takes place. Twenty minutes each day will create a habit of reading for everyone, young and old! Consider creating a comfortable reading nook and telling your children they have an appointment with it every day.
- Provide Support for Reading Challenges
Developed by Peter Pappas and Patricia Martin, this teacher toolbox has several wonderful suggestions for supporting challenged readers! For additional support, contact the THSC Special Needs Department for guidance with supplementary resources.
Reading is an opportunity for children of all ages to escape to faraway places and let their imaginations run wild! Help them by making time this week to talk about ways everyone in the family can improve reading skills. As Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis said, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”
Come meet Sarah Mackenzie in person by joining us at the THSC Convention in The Woodlands. Exhibitors from around the country will have a plethora of books to choose from, and the informative workshops will inspire you to instill the love of learning in your child. Register today!
THSC exists to support your family as you homeschool. Have you joined? If not, check out our membership benefits that are Keeping Texas Families Free.
Author Neil Gaiman wrote, “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” Reading to your children at an early age is a fantastic way to begin their journeys to creativity. Time spent in the magic of stories exploring the Ozark Mountains, smelling the gunpowder at Gettysburg, or climbing trees with the Robinson family can set a path toward a lifelong love of books! Reading also helps develop your child’s analytical thinking skills, memory, imagination, and vocabulary, among other inspirational benefits.
However, what if you have a reluctant reader? What if your child doesn’t enjoy reading, or finds it challenging? How can you help your student develop one of the most important skills they will carry to adulthood? Follow these four recommendations to begin a path toward great reading, regardless the age of your child.
4 Tips for Reluctant Readers
- Find Great Resources
One of my favorite places to find inspiration is Read Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie. From podcasts to book lists, Sarah’s goal is to help parents find ways to connect with their children through the wonder of books.There are many great resources at your local library, as well as online! Take advantage of some of these and see if it helps engage your youngster.
- Make It Count
Consider allowing your child’s reading to be inspired by their interests. As home school parents, we tend to assign reading only as a lesson requirement, rather than allowing reading to be a reward. By extending freedom to select materials that are aligned with your child’s interests, you will help capture your child’s attention and promote reading. Read Aloud Revival has a great list of books for consideration.
- Schedule Time to Read
It’s easy to wish there was time for reading, but in reality, reading time must be scheduled to ensure it takes place. Twenty minutes each day will create a habit of reading for everyone, young and old! Consider creating a comfortable reading nook and telling your children they have an appointment with it every day.
- Provide Support for Reading Challenges
Developed by Peter Pappas and Patricia Martin, this teacher toolbox has several wonderful suggestions for supporting challenged readers! For additional support, contact the THSC Special Needs Department for guidance with supplementary resources.
Reading is an opportunity for children of all ages to escape to faraway places and let their imaginations run wild! Help them by making time this week to talk about ways everyone in the family can improve reading skills. As Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis said, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”
Come meet Sarah Mackenzie in person by joining us at the THSC Convention in The Woodlands. Exhibitors from around the country will have a plethora of books to choose from, and the informative workshops will inspire you to instill the love of learning in your child. Register today!
THSC exists to support your family as you homeschool. Have you joined? If not, check out our membership benefits that are Keeping Texas Families Free.
