3 Tips on How to Make a Reader...

Reading is a pretty big thing! You need it every single day; all day. You need it for work and play and everything in-between.

But what do you do when you have a reluctant reader who’s just NOT interested?

My 'Top 3' things are:

1. Read to them - Yes, even when they can read to themselves! It’s still so important to do this. There are crazy statistics out there that say if you read to your child well into their teen years you dramatically increase their reading abilities and their own personal love of reading! Also, it's a great family bonding activity!

2. Make it fun - Don’t just make them read things they aren’t interested in. Head to your local library, and let them browse all the shelves. Even the ones above their reading levels. Find something that sparks that interest and go for it. If it's above their level, help them or find a book on the same topic on their level. So maybe you’ll read 150 books on reptiles haha, but you'll see their face light up because they are understanding what books actually are. It's the key to knowledge and adventure. You won't be disappointed.

3. Slow down - If they are struggling, don’t keep pushing. Just slow down and take a step back. Should they know that word they already read 2 sentences ago? Yes, but pushing to the point of tears or anger isn’t going to make reading a journey they want to take. Fill in words, sound out things, make reading a together-activity, and you’ll be surprised at them hushing you when they figure it out on their own!

There you have it. 3 simple things that cultivate little excited readers!

Go read some books!

-Nicole