What are some ways to strengthen a child's interest in reading?

Answer 1

I really like the two responses from the teacher and special ed tutor above. Rewards work. Choosing reading-level-appropriate books in areas of the child's interest is crucial. You can also start, especially to a younger child, by reading to them. I have a mom of one of my high school students taking time to listen to an audiobook together, There are a lot of books to listen to on YouTube. And talking about YouTube, a student might start their interest by finding out something about the author of a book on YouTube. Another option is to start with age-appropriate graphic novels. I'm intrigued by programs that have students read to shelter animals or those in nursing homes.

Answer 2

Most children, and young children especially, respond will to praise and rewards systems. In my classroom, we utilize PizzaHut's BookIt! Reading Rewards. I recommend setting a specific and attainable goal within a suitable time frame with a reward attached to it for completion. My goal for each student in my class is to read 5 books to me by the last day of the month. All students have individual books catered to their specific and current reading level, so each student is able to reach this goal reasonably if they are putting in the effort. Also, make sure the reward is immediate after completing the goal. I have several students asking every morning and several times throughout the day if they can read to me in order to get more books read towards their goal. It is also important that the child is selected books that they are interested in/or have picked themselves. Offer a selection with their likes and interest but that is also still on their current reading level. Too hard of a book that they are not capable or ready for can discourage them. I also like to encourage rereading books to build confidence, fluency, and automaticity. Hope this information helps foster your child's love for reading as I have seen with my students!

Answer 3

Your question answers itself. Give them interesting things to read.

Then read with them, ask questions, offer a prize; and maybe let the child turn the tables and test you.

Answer 4

Others have provided great answers about reward systems, finding books and topics that interest your child, and bringing reading and writing together through story creation. I think it's important to make reading a normal and regular activity in your household. Having a routine for reading, such as an hour before bed or right after dinner, when you all sit down to read. This time could be spent reading together or reading separately but at the same time. Lead by example and be present to help! Reading can be challenging for early readers, so giving up is easier than working through unfamiliar words. See you reading and enjoying it will encourage the activity, and having you there to help when the child gets stuck will help to keep them enjoying it.

I also believe to showing the importance of reading in regular day-to-day activities. Whether you are making the child's favorite recipe, finding directions to one of their activities, learning how to play a new game, or looking up a question the child asked you on the Internet, you should involve your child in reading those things as much as possible. For some children, thinking they can help you is a reward in itself.

Answer 5

I would suggest that students select books that they really like. The 50 book challenge I implemented in my classroom encouraged students to read. This was inspired by "The Book Whisperer" by Donalyn Miller. With the challenge, the student filled out a paper-chain link with the author, number of pages, and a short summary. The strips of paper were then added to their chain. Once they had 50 links in the chain, they received a reward and the whole class participated to celebrate them. With my own children, we had library cards at three public libraries! This spurred them on to want to read more. If a book in a series wasn't available at one city library, we would go to the other one where we could check it out that day. A library card is empowering to a young reader and makes them feel important and gives them the autonomy to choose their own book genres.

Answer 6

There are many ways to get your child interested in reading. Find stories that have subjects that are interesting to them. Create stories together about past experiences or upcoming trips so that they are reading about themselves. Create a picture book (for the younger students) and include pictures of them doing things they enjoy and write a few sentences about that experience. Create a reading nook that is quiet and comfy for them to read. Also read together, take turns.