Reluctant Reader? Get Wired for Sound!
Here are some helpful ways to help those reluctant readers become avid readers:
Pre-schoolers – Establish Story time -Make story time a part of every bedtime routine. You can take turns having dad and mom or even an older brother or sister read a short story before bed every evening. It is a great way to quiet your child down for a nap or bed and provide an opportunity for intimate “quality time” each day.
Primary school years – Read to and with your child each day - What you read together does not matter. So, go to the Library and let your child choose a book or two each week. Or, ask your child’s teacher to recommend books. But make certain you and your child read together for at least 20 – 30 minutes a day.
Elementary and Middle School years – Audio Books are fine - If you have a reluctant reader provide a routine time and place for listening to audio books. You can purchase them, download them to an iPod, or borrow from the library. Choose books you know your child will enjoy, like “Harry Potter” books, or books about celebrities or sports stars. Or let your child choose books for himself. If an older child is not reading for pleasure it is more important that she like books than listen to books you like. But try to set aside at least one-half hour a day when your child listens to an audio book. Certainly, this should occur before T.V., video game play, or other types of entertainment.
