What to Do when Kids Do Not Want to Read

There are some children who would beg their parents to go to the library or buy them books from the bookstores around. These are the type who could keep quiet in just one corner, with their noses buried under a book. Some small children would love to sit on mommy's lap as she shows how good she has become in reading. There are children whose eyes would get big if they received books for presents, and could have fun talking to a friend about how wonderful a book is.

But then, there are those children who think that going to the library or bookstore is boring. They would rather go to the mall, and meet up with their parents, if the latter need to get a book for themselves. When assigned by a teacher to read a particular chapter for a test, they would oblige, just because it is a requirement. But to get to the last page of that chapter is a huge ordeal.

These kids may find some books interesting because they would hear their friends talking about them. Maybe they would even attempt to start reading it, but finishing the first chapter would seem an eternity for them. So they would rather stop and forget about the book.

Many would say that it is always best to start helping children to read at an early age. Experts would say that it helps a lot when parents serve as models when it comes to reading. Children would realize that reading may seem like an interesting activity when they see their parents and other significant members of the family doing it. Children who have siblings who love to read get influenced into getting into it as well.

Bring children to the library and bookstores. Let them explore by exposing them to a the many resources available in these venues. They would often choose the books that really interest them, but guide them to other ones that they may not be noticing, or those that fit their age group. Also, read to them and let them read books of their interests. For the young ones, if they are into Barney or Sesame Street, choose those that use these characters. Writers have used these famous cartoon and movie characters to make books on the alphabet and numbers children-friendly.

Experts would advice parents to make reading a bonding moment. Set up a routine or a regular reading time so that it would establish a calming routine for the children. Usually, bedtime reading is what children want. It sorts of cap their day, and they like a quiet moment with a parent reading a nice story before they doze off.

But how would you address dislike for reading when the children are already in grade school or worst, in high school? You certainly cannot turn back the hands of time to redo your style in making reading more fun and less threatening for your child.

One trick experts suggest is for the parent to always focus on the children's interest. If the child was a huge fan of a particular movie, the parent could bring home the book. If it is sports that the child loves, then start with magazines on sports and slowly go with books that zoom in on sports and famous personalities in this field. The goal is to disassociate what he's doing at school with the act of reading something for fun.

The librarians are the best persons to ask for recommendation for high-interest and age-appropriate reading materials. Librarians could even share a part of the book that you are looking for to the child, and this would awaken his interest more.

For some children, it would help if materials are not too heavy or serious. Younger ones who need to read chapter books, as suggested by their teacher, can start with the simpler ones. If they start with the serious stuff, they could get lost with the vocabulary, find the plot too complicated and would really resent reading.

Children mature so their taste, interest and reading level would mature as well. From the simple ones, they could move to other books, until they discover more serious ones. If their interest is on books on mystery or horror, just let them be. Others may be into sci-fi types, support this interest. Let them go on their own pacing. They would "graduate" to different levels and different types on their own, although it would be of help if parents would suggest so they would be aware of the availability of other more books.

Bear in mind that reading should be pleasurable. Some parents may have the impression that it should be a struggle. Learning the hard way, as they would say. When individuals find something difficult, they would shun away from it. People would tend to repeat things that are pleasurable. Reading is supposed to give the reader good and enjoyable moments.