If you and your children battle frustration and anxiety when it comes to learning and practising to read at home, you’re not alone. Parents and caregivers play a significant role in helping children learn to read, but unless you have learned to teach children how to read, it is likely you will not know how to do it.
logonliteracy is sharing some tips to help parents identify the reading behaviours of children and how they can help. This week we look at what to do if your child shows no interest in reading.
If your child shows no interest in reading, it may be because reading is difficult for them, they find other pursuits more enjoyable or the texts may be too long.
Reading well is essential for life; it is not an optional extra. Poor readers are usually poor writers and struggle with most aspects of schooling. Without strong reading skills, students are doomed to a life that is less than best.
As a parent or caregiver, you need to do all you can to help your child develop their vocabulary and reading skills. If you can instil a love of reading in your children, they will pick up books and texts more often and will become better at reading.
If your child shows no interest in reading :
- Encourage your child to read anything and everything especially extended pieces of writing.
- Value and model reading in the home. Try a ‘screen free’ day or period where everyone in the household reads.
- Visit your local library and ask the librarians to recommend books that young people enjoy.
- Offer magazines about a subject that interests your child. The blocks of text in magazines tend to be shorter and more accessible for developing readers.
- Read with your child, especially during homework sessions.
- Keep the reading sessions short but frequent. Regular reading sessions of just 10-15 mins are not too arduous for disinterested readers but will help your child improve their reading skills.
- Encourage family and friends to talk to your child about the value of reading and why it is essential to be a confident and competent reader. It is particularly beneficial for boys to see a male reading.
- Listen to ebooks where the reader can follow along viewing the text while the words are read aloud.
- Use a sports analogy. Many children are familiar with the concept that to be successful in sport they have to practise. To be successful in school and life, you have to be able to read and reading well requires practice.
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