Reluctant, or Simply Not Interested?

With an over abundance of television programs to capture their interest, videos to take their fancy, endless computer games and even the internet, it?s all too easy for children to have little interest in reading. Never before has there been such a vast array of amazing toys. There are always friends to play with, endless birthday parties to attend and grandparents to visit. When they do flick through a book, it?s easier to admire the beautiful pictures and leave the words unread. Reading interest is often overlooked in the classroom. As long as they finish activities, there is hardly reason for concern. Often our own busy lifestyle can be a distraction from reading.

Once children learn the value of reading the more they want to read. When you sit down to enjoy the paper, a magazine or a novel, it sends out a positive message about reading. They see it as part of your life and want to emulate it. Involve them with reading around the house. This shows the necessity of reading without giving boring lectures. Ask them to read the school or sports newsletter, instructions on packets, movie reviews or the blurb on the back of a video. If they are avid television viewers, give them the responsibility of reading the program and making family viewing recommendations. Find a job involving reading, and depend on them to do it. Make a game out of reading road and shop signs while driving or walking around. There are simple ways to emphasize words in their daily lives without making structured lessons.

Creating interest in reading is a lot harder than it sounds. If a child is not already wildly excited about sitting down to read it will take hard work on your part to stimulate that interest. A great place to start is with things they find interesting already. Have a long hard look at what they enjoy. Involved parents really know what their kids like to do. There are books available on every subject imaginable, a veritable endless supply. Make the most of this. The library is the best resource for a concerned parent. Not only will you find books dealing with reluctant readers, and books which list suggested titles, but there is a vast range of non-fiction. These books might be of greater interest to your child. Not even all adults enjoy fiction. Allow your children to read information books, comics or even collect weekly or monthly magazines, etc. If they enjoy cooking, point them towards cookbooks and let them select recipes for family meals.

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