4 Tips that Helped Our Reluctant Reader

This post is all about tips that helped our reluctant reader.

For a solid 2 years, our son groaned at independent readers and even read aloud time. It was sad because my girls LOVED reading. Devoured books. I was begged to check out more books from the library on a weekly basis.

So to experience my son’s lack of enjoyment of great stories was really difficult. I felt like I had failed him. Since then, we have turned the page, and I wanted to share a few things that have helped to pivot.

1. Discover Their Favorite Genre or Topics

This may seem obvious, but for a long time I thought he would love animal centered stories since he loved animals in films. He did not care. It wasn’t until we stumbled on some mystery books like Secrets of the Hidden Scrolls or Dragon Masters that his interest piqued.

2. No Screens on School Days

I heard this could be controversial, but I do not intend for it it be at all. We use screens for supplemental topical videos, to play hymns or read alouds on YouTube, or for typing or other computer app practice. However for our family, I have found that eliminating screens for entertainment purposes has also eliminated a lot of behavioral issues. They do ask if they can watch something for 5 days of the week, which has been a huge blessing.

We inherently crave great stories and learning about different characters, so without entertaining shows, books become precious and desirable. They become elevated to a higher value, and become an enticing option for enjoyment.

3. Start with Books Just Below Their Reading Level

Raising readers sometimes means taking a step back. This is not because they are behind, but could just mean they need encouragement. Being able to read with ease, without stumbling upon unfamiliar vocabulary words, can build the confidence they need. My son saw our youngest enjoying the Berenstain Bears series, and wanted to cuddle up next to her to read it to her. Well below his reading level, but it was a hallelujah moment! I realized the interesting illustrations, the easy and poetic writing, really encouraged him to stay with the story.

[RELATED POST: Some of our favorite family read alouds]

4. Use a Living Books Based Curriculum

The last, but helpful transition was using a living books based curriculum. With the Charlotte Mason principles gaining in popularity, there seems to be a lot to choose from these days! Here is a sample of what we used this past year just to give you an idea. There are so many more to check out:

• Beautiful Feet Books
• The Peaceful Press
• A Gentle Feast
• Ambleside Online
• Simply Charlotte Mason

My son will still choose toys and wrestling with his cousins over books for the most part, but the groaning is very minimal or even absent. He reads his independent readers without issue in comparison to what it was, and finds enjoyment in sharing what parts of the story he found new ideas in. For this, I am thankful!

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