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What do you do when your child doesn’t like reading? It is important to think about why your child might not like reading.  Is it because reading is hard? Is it because your child hasn’t been reading books that he or she is interested in? Are the books too hard?

Has reading become more of a chore than a fun activity? Reading should be a fun and special family time.  You can create this in your approach to reading at home.  Be sure to check out my posting about the importance of reading aloud at home https://learningtoreadtogether.com/reading-aloud/ and establishing a regular routine https://learningtoreadtogether.com/summer-reading-routine/ to incorporate reading on a regular basis.

Here are some thoughts on what you can do when your child doesn’t like reading?

• First, and most importantly, be sure to let your child’s classroom teacher know this information. If your child is struggling with reading, getting help right away is so important. You don’t want your child to become frustrated or lose confidence. Your classroom teacher can help make sure your child is getting the help he or she needs. If your child doesn’t like reading, but doesn’t seem to struggle, the teacher should know this information as well. Having a conference with your child’s teacher is also helpful. By communicating with the teacher, you can both be on the same page and work together to help your child.

• Make sure the books your child is reading are not too hard. Is the rate at which your child is reading too slow? Are there too many tricky words that your child has to sound out? If so, the book is probably too hard. Try some books at a lower level to build confidence. Reading books that are too hard can be intimating and frustrating for kids. Please see this posting that will help you check the levels that your child is reading. https://learningtoreadtogether.com/scholastic-book-wizard-reading-level/

• Perhaps you can have nights that are nights where you read aloud a story. This might take the pressure off and make reading more fun and less of a chore.

• Praise your child when he or she uses a strategy to figure out an unknown word. Be specific. Instead of saying “good job” say “Wow, you knew that the sound of ea is “ee”. That helped you figure out that tricky word!”

• Try starting an incentive program. For example, for a certain amount of minutes reading, your child earns points toward a special toy or activity that your child enjoys. Involve your child in deciding what he or she might like to earn. Here are some reading charts. https://learningtoreadtogether.com/how-do-you-help-your-child-stay-motivated-to-read-this-summer/

• Start a family reading night whereby you gather together as a family and you read aloud a book such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Have a series of family reading nights reading several chapters at a time. There are lots of recommendations for engaging family read alouds online. Make popcorn or a special snack, dinner or dessert to go along with your book.  Do a craft or activity with the theme of your book. Pinterest is bound to have tons of ideas! Have a reading pajama party. This should be a fun time that your family looks forward to. Be sure to pick a book that you will enjoy as well because if you are excited about it, your children will be too!

• Show your child how much he or she has progressed in reading by showing your child a book that was read at the beginning of the year and a book that they are reading now.

• Have your child read to a younger sibling to build confidence. Younger siblings who aren’t reading yet often look up to older siblings who can read!

• Schedule trips to the local library with your child. Have your child select books that he or she is interested in. Involve the librarian.  Librarians can be helpful in finding books at your child’s reading level and in finding books about a topic your child is interested in.

• Read in different places like in a tent, outside, at the beach or try flashlight reading at night.

Try some of these above suggestions and see what works for you and your child.  Remember, finding out why your child isn’t interested in reading can help you better understand what you can do to help. Also, getting help early is important if your child is struggling,