StatusIn preparation · the full piece will follow our opening
First, find out why
A reluctant reader might find it hard to sound out words, which makes every page tiring. Or they might read well but find the books on offer dull. Listening to your child read aloud for a few minutes often tells you which. If decoding is the struggle, raise it with their teacher; it responds well to the right practice.
Make reading easy to say yes to
Let them choose, including comics, graphic novels, sports magazines and books below their grade level. Keep reading aloud to them, even after they can read on their own; it builds vocabulary and keeps stories enjoyable. Leave books where your child already spends time.
Find out whether the problem is skill or interest.
Talk about it, without a quiz
Questions like “What do you think happens next?” or “Would you have done what she did?” invite real thinking. A string of comprehension questions can make reading feel like homework. Share what you’re reading too; children notice what adults choose to do with their time.
What you’ll take away
- 01Find out whether the problem is skill or interest.
- 02Any reading counts, especially at first.
- 03Talk about books; don’t test them.
