10 Steps to Helping a Reluctant Reader: Tips from a Former Librarian

As a former librarian, I constantly came in contact with children who had no interest in reading. For these children, reading was a chore and not a pleasure. Below are ten steps to encourage reluctant readers.

1- Try character books. Most children are already familiar with many popular television characters. If they enjoy a particular one, chances are that character also can be found in a line of books.

2- Consider their interests. Do you have a child obsessed with dinosaurs or sports? Steer them towards books on subjects that interest them.

3- Take them to the library and show them where to find books that interest them. A room full of books can be very overwhelming to a child who has no idea where to start. Familiarize them with your local library and show them where to look for books on their reading level. Narrowing the choices down a little can help them better focus on choosing a book.

4- Don't limit their options. Narrowing choices for easier selection can help in the book choosing process but you may have a child that wants to check out a book that you know for a fact is beyond their reading level. Help them choose one book you know they can read and one they choose for themselves, even if it is on a higher reading level. It never hurts for them to be curious.

5- Read with and to your child. Numerous studies show that reading to and with your child is a huge confident booster for the child and is a great way to spend quality time.

6- Let them catch you reading. Modeling your love for reading to your child is important. Children watch our every move. Whether it's a newspaper, a magazine, or a book, let your children see you enjoying written works.

7- Start a collection at home. Having books at home readily available when your child shows interest in reading literally puts the books at their fingertips. The earlier a home library can be established, the better. Look in local consignment stores or at garage sales to find inexpensive books to build your collection.

8- Expose children to all genres of literature. Don't limit their choices to fiction only. Find biographies on people they admire or silly poetry and rhyming books.

9- Keep an incentive chart. Most schools already have a reading program in place with incentives for students who read a certain amount of books. Try this at home by making a chart where a sticker can be placed for every book read. When your child reads a certain amount, reward them with a trip to the bookstore to pick out a new book or some other small token.

10-Praise and encourage your child when they do read. Ask them questions about the book they've read. This small step just might lead to some interesting discussions and insight as to what they enjoy about reading.