Strategies for parents to use to support and empower reluctant readers

One of the parents’ joys is seeing their children thrive in their academic pursuits; reading is foundational to that success. However, not all children naturally take to reading. For reluctant readers, parental involvement can be the key to unlocking their potential.

Workee experts spoke with Ellen Westbrook, founder of Engaging Reluctant Readers and the Developing Ravenous Readers Club. A membership that guides parents with the right tips and tools to make reading exciting and engaging for their children.

As a recovering reluctant reader and a mom of two, Ellen has successfully unlocked a love for reading and raised two book-loving boys, and now she is committed to showing parents how to do so. In this article, she shares seven strategies to empower your child to discover the joy of reading. Enjoy

1. Create a reading-friendly environment

Making reading at home a pleasurable experience can be achieved by creating a comfortable atmosphere. This is especially helpful for kids who aren’t too keen on reading, as they’re more likely to pick up a book if they associate it with relaxation and comfort. You can help by establishing a cozy reading nook with comfortable seating, good lighting, and a variety of books your child can easily access. As well as ensuring that books are visible and accessible all around the house and even on the go reduces the overwhelm of having too many books in one centralized area and eliminates the need to search for one if they’re consistently present.. By doing this, even kids who aren’t particularly interested in reading may be inspired to read more independently.

2. Lead by example

Children often mimic their parent’s behaviors. If they see you reading and enjoying books, they are more likely to develop an interest in reading themselves. By making reading a visible part of your daily routine, you subtly encourage your child to do the same. For example, if you read the morning paper daily at breakfast, your child may become curious and want to do the same. Before they realize it, they start to enjoy reading themselves simply because they see you doing it consistently. Remember, children often mirror what they see their parents doing.

3. Personalize reading material

Read the full interview on our blog- https://workee.net/blog/strategies-for-supporting-struggling-readers-in-middle-school-literacy