Let your child choose the book
Some children choose one favourite book again and again. Others love variety. Draw your child in by giving them a choice in the book you share together. Many reluctant readers are willing to look at a book if it is about a favourite topic. Does your child love construction equipment? Are they into creepy crawly creatures? Are they fascinated by fairies? There is a book out there for every interest! Need help to find the perfect book? Visit or call the Children’s Librarian at your local library. These specialized librarians are experts in finding the just the perfect book to draw in your reluctant reader. Another option is to search on a website such as Book Share Time (booksharetime.com).
Take a ‘picture walk’ together
If your child doesn’t like it when you read all the words in a book, try taking a ‘picture walk’ together. This simply means telling the story by following what is happening in the pictures rather than the words. Most children’s books have attractive pictures that tell the story in a visual way. Not only is ‘picture walking’ is a great way to draw in a reluctant reader, it also is a proven early reading strategy. ‘Picture walking’ teaches children to use pictures to help understand the story. The pictures can also help children recognize the written form of key words. For example, if the picture on the page features a dump truck, it is likely that the words “dump truck” will be somewhere on the page.
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Let books inspire conversation
Books are fantastic conversation starters. If you are sharing a book about a caterpillar munching on fruits, you could start a conversation about your child’s favourite fruits. If you are reading a book about a kitten, you could start a conversation about a cat that your child is familiar with. If you are looking at a book about construction sites, you could talk about the time he or she watched a dump truck at a construction site. By linking what happens in a book with your child’s real life experience, you are helping your child understand the story better, and also building their knowledge of the world.
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Let them see you enjoy books
Children learn so much by watching other people. When your child sees you enjoying a book or a magazine, you are modelling a love of reading for your child. This helps your child form the idea that spending time reading is something to be enjoyed. When they see you read a recipe or follow written instructions, they are learning that reading is a valuable activity that brings tangible benefits.
Keep books within easy reach
Children are more likely to explore a book if it is in easy reach for them. Try placing your child’s books on a low shelf, or in an open box or basket on the floor. If your child is under 5-years of age, and you have concerns about his or her communication development, call your local Health Unit to refer your child to Speech and Language Services. Speech-language pathologists are here to help! Anita Ebenezer works as a Community Health speech-language pathologist at Island Health. Anita was named Speech and Hearing BC’s “Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year” in 2018. IslandParent.ca
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