Creating Lifelong Passion for Reading

Strategies for Reluctant Readers at Home or in the Classroom

The journey to becoming an authentic reader is a unique experience for each individual, marked by challenges and achievements. As both a devoted parent and an experienced teacher, I have uncovered effective strategies to support reluctant readers, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Here are a few of the strategies I have found to be quite helpful.

Visit the Library Often:
Libraries, often underestimated, serve as treasure troves of knowledge and imagination. My early exposure to the library, thanks to my mother, instilled in me a deep appreciation for its offerings. Getting library cards early opened doors to a number of resources. It is exciting to have unlimited opportunities to check out audiobooks, novels, movies and magazines. Digital audio and text  resources like Hoopla and Overdrive further energize the overall experience with books. Libraries not only cultivate a love for reading but also impart the skill of accessing diverse resources without financial concerns.

Allow Young adults to Change Their Mind Often:
The  preferences of young readers are natural and should be encouraged. My three children, raised in the same environment, displayed unique tastes in reading materials. Whether engaged in the adventures of Nate the Great or historical graphic novels, acknowledging and supporting these specific interests is necessary. Libraries and used book sales become valuable ways to allow for exploration.

Be A Personal Assistant:
While creating independent individuals  is necessary, helping young adults select material can be transformative. Serving as a personal assistant involves helping children find books suitable for their abilities and interests, introducing new authors, and creating an environment ideal for reading. 

Read Regularly and Talk about Your Books:
Modeling the behavior we wish to see in young adults enhances credibility as parents and teachers. Reading aloud and openly discussing the struggles and joys of the reading process create a shared experience. It is essential to show that reading is a journey with its high and low points. Young adults need to see that readers do not strike gold with each book they pick up. 

Use Audio Books:
Challenging the opinion that listening isn't reading, audio books offer a unique and immersive experience. From multitasking during chores to enjoying a book before bedtime, audio books provide flexibility and limit the gap between those who have a deep understanding and the students who struggle.  Since we can typically listen at a higher level than we can sometimes speak or read, audio books  are a great way to introduce new authors, contribute to improved comprehension, pronunciation, and fluency. I love starting a book by playing the first chapter aloud as well as offering to have students listen to various chapters during the book so that they are able to re-engage with the material if they may happen to be temporarily lost on the pages. 

Encourage Book Vacations:
Exploring settings different from one's own offers a unique perspective. Reading about various cultures, experiences, and viewpoints broadens perspectives and fosters empathy. Diverse literature or book vacations act  as a portal to new worlds, encouraging readers. 

Do a Book Tasting:
Transforming literature exploration into a delightful experience, book tastings mimic the concept of sampling. Creating a chart for students to mark their preferences allows them to "taste" different books, genres, and authors. This interactive approach empowers them to discover what resonates with their unique tastes and preferences.

Celebrate Success as a Family or Class:
Transforming the reading journey into a shared challenge brings a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. Implementing reading challenges, whether through bingo cards, tracking overall minutes, or setting genre-specific goals, engages and excites students. Celebrating achievements together encourages positive reading culture within the family or classroom.

Ultimately you can do eveyrhting right and have students who do not authentically choose to read. But, I will always choose as Mel Robbins says, To fail at full speed. In the digital age, the diverse forms of reading should be acknowledged, understanding that independent reading may develop at different stages in life. Embracing this perspective, along with actively helping students select books, significantly contributes to their journey of becoming authentic readers. While the magic of a book may show up at different paces, one thing remains constant – the enchantment that accompanies the opening of a book is always unfolding.