VTech is an award winning electronic learning toys company

For some children learning to read proves to be especially difficult and they are reluctant to read. In this situation, our goal as parents is to help our struggling or reluctant readers view reading as an enjoyable experience.

How do we achieve this goal? Ultimately, we need to immerse our children in daily reading experiences and support their growth and development as readers.

1. Read to your children daily.
The simple act of reading aloud to your children each day supports literacy development in many important ways and nurtures positive association with books and reading. More specifically, reading aloud exposes children to important concepts of print; supports letter, word and sound awareness. It also stimulates language and cognitive development and promotes vocabulary growth while building parent/child relationships.

2. Be a strong “reading role model” for your children.

Model fluency, expression and inflection when you read aloud
The goal of modeling fluency is to help young readers understand that reading sounds like talking, not choppy like a robot or fast like a speed-reading race. Parents should read with expression based on the characters experiences and feelings in the story. You should also encourage your children to join in and read along using expression when they encounter familiar words and phrases.

Model that punctuation marks are reading signals
We need to teach young readers that punctuation marks provide information. Periods are a mark that signal readers to stop at the end of a sentence. Commas signal readers to pause. Exclamation points encourage readers to express strong emotions in their voice and question marks tell readers to use a questioning voice when they read.

Model comprehension strategies before, during and after reading with your child
Successful readers use multiple strategies before, during and after reading that support their comprehension. Model simple strategies to help your children comprehend and read for meaning. Start off by previewing books prior to reading. Read the title and then “take a picture walk!” A picture walk is simply flipping through the pages of the book looking and talking about the pictures. Before you start reading, encourage your child to share what they believe the story will be about. As you read, call attention and talk about what is happening during the story. You can talk about interesting vocabulary, ask questions and make predictions about what may happen next. Finally, once you finish reading, make connections to the book. Have you had a similar experience? Talk about what your favorite part of the story or what you thought about the story. These activities help children read for meaning and understanding.

3. Help your child understand why reading is useful and identify the “reasons” for reading.
We read to learn new things.
We read for entertainment.
We read because we are interested in a topic.
We read to get information such as the weather forecast, ingredients for a recipe, school information and to order from a menu.
We read to communicate with family and friends through texts, emails and social media.
We read to follow directions for school assignments, recipes and maps.

4. Identify “high interest” reading materials such as fiction and non-fiction children’s books, magazines, poetry, comic books and audio books. Take your child to the library or bookstore and encourage them to explore and find reading materials that they find interesting. There are great children’s books on a wide range of topics. The key is selecting reading materials that peak your young readers’ interest.

Picture Book Authors
These are just a few authors who write high interest books with predictable storylines that reinforce and support letter and vocabulary awareness as well as beginning comprehension.

Sandra Boynton
Eric Carle
Eileen Christelow
Joanna Cole (Magic School Bus picture books)
Martin Handford (Where’s Waldo picture books)
Bill Martin Jr.
Laura Numeroff
Dr. Seuss
David Shannon
Audrey & Don Wood

Chapter Book Series
There are numerous chapter book series that are perfect for reluctant readers. Here are a few series for older children featuring interesting subject matter and very manageable text.

Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel
The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
The Magic School Bus Series by Joanna Coel
Cam Jamsen Series by David Adler
Flat Stanley Collection by Jeff Brown
Ramona series by Beverly Cleary
The Ralph Mouse Series by Beverly Cleary
Matt Christopher Sports Series by Matt Christopher
Junie B Jones books by Barbara Parks
Judy Moody Series by Megan McDonald

Great Magazines for reluctant readers
There are a variety of great magazines covering a wide range of topics that peak kids interest in reading!

CHIRP
Chrip’s creative magazine is filled with comic strips, stories, songs, crafts and interesting animal facts.

CHOP CHOP
Chop Chop is perfect for little ones who love to cook! Kids will love to try out some of the amazing illustrated recipes between the covers of this cooking magazine!

FUN TO LEARN FRIENDS
This magazine features well loved preschool TV characters such as Big Bird, Elmo, Curious George, Max and Ruby and Clifford. Readers will find great stories, learning activities, coloring pages, games, crafts and worksheets.

LADYBUG MAGAZINE
Ladybug is filled with funny poems, stories and “I Spy” activities appealing to many children.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR LITTLE KIDS
Great magazine filled with beautifully photographed animals, nature trivia and activities about wild animals.

RANGER RICK JR.
This magazine is an excellent choice for kids who love animals and the outdoors. Packed with both fiction and non-fiction, Ranger Rick also includes a variety of activities.

SPORT ILLUSTRATED KIDS
This magazine is the perfect choice for sports enthusiasts. It is filled with great action photography and features a variety of athletes and sports.