Reaching Reluctant Readers

1. Reaching Reluctant Readers Liz Miller Resource Teacher Rosa Lee Carter ES

2. Intent of this session Learn characteristics of a reluctant reader Learn ways to support and encourage reluctant readers at home Learn how to choose resources

3. Definitions A reluctant reader is a child who has the capability of reading, but who chooses not to read when given the choice Shows little enthusiasm for reading at school or home Doesn’t take many library or classroom books home Spends significantly less time reading by choice

4. What the research says Upper elementary grades experience a reading interest “slump” Do not see reading as something fun – all work Most often cited reason is lack of interesting things to read or too busy doing other things to read Almost 70% of students identified as reluctant readers spend an hour or less each week reading for pleasure

5. 10 practical strategies for home • Read aloud to them • All about choice • Make time • Make space • Read what they read • Variety • Series/Author • Connect to real life • Audio-books • Other technology

6. Read aloud • Ideally every night, but at least a few times a week • Modeling fluency and expression • Make it interesting – give voices to characters • Leave them hanging at good parts

7. All about choices • Any books and any topics they want • Different genres of books • Remove pressure of reading levels • Steer but don’t force

8. Make time • Set aside time each day devoted to reading • As little as 15-30 minutes • Whole family or at least a designated quiet time • Not for homework – just reading for fun • Can be read aloud or individual time

9. Make space • Designate a space • Let your kids help design it • A corner or certain spot on the couch • Comfy, cozy and welcoming – free of other distractions

10. Read what they read • See why they chose it • Be ready to talk about it • Help them expand upon it • Maybe find something new yourself • Model reading yourself

11. Variety • Nontraditional forms of reading • Magazines, poetry, music lyrics, newspapers, comic books, recipes, etc.

12. Series and authors • Get them hooked on a series or author through reading it together • Help them find similar series/authors • Getting to know familiar characters helps them feel connected

13. Connect it to real life • Use their real life interests to help them choose what to read • Motivate them to read through family activities • Read about topics before experiences

14. Audio Books • Listen in the car or waiting at appointments • Another good way to get them hooked on series or author • Modeling fluency, expression • Readily available

15. Using technology • iPads/Kindles/Nooks • The way many adults now read • E-Books • Can help with reading skills and motivation • Endless possibilities for topics and interests

16. From the mouths of babes… • Tips direct from elementary kids: Let kids pick out their own books: “My dad would read to me any book I wanted – no matter how hard, how silly or how many times we’ve read it before – he would read me anything. “ Let kids see you read: “If parents don’t read in front of their kids then kids will think they’re not supposed to want to either and won’t do it as much.” Reading together is a time to show your love: “It is not just the books but how my mom read the books. It was sitting close and just spending quiet time together.” “It’s my mom’s favorite thing to do – she makes the books sound funny by doing different voices and being silly.”

17. Suggested resources School and public library Starfall and Tumblebooks App store – search for interactive books Raz-Kids ($) Book trailers – for older kids Scholastic.com – The Stacks MeeGenius App ($)

18. Questions?