Blogging A to Z: Choice

There is a time and place for children to learn about metaphors and symbolism, but if you’re trying to get a reluctant reader to actually read? You need to give them a choice in what they read. Think about it, do you read dissertations or literary novels in your free time? Maybe, and it’s because you choose to do so. Allow kids the same freedom of picking out something they want to read.

Nothing was harder as a children’s librarian than at the beginning of the summer when parents had the best-laid plans as to what their child was going to read that summer. It typically consisted of classics and other books that most kids have no interest in. If you want kids to enjoy reading, let them pick out something they might like.

So I bet you’re thinking to yourself, “But if my kid doesn’t like to read, what will they choose to read?” And that can be tricky. The best option is to find a librarian or bookseller who is great at their job. And you’ll know this because they will ask your child about their interests – sometimes not even bringing up books until well into the conversation. “What do they like to do? What TV shows or movies are their favorites? Are they interested in sports or art, or learning new things?”

Reader’s Advisory

This helps guide what suggestions they might give – it’s called a reader’s advisory or a reference interview. All of these questions and answers allow basically a stranger to better understand your child and give suggestions they might be interested in. Does your child like sports? Try the Jake Maddox or Matt Christopher books. Is your child super into art and artists? They the Who Was biographies about all sorts of amazing artists. Maybe your kid loves animals and really interesting facts? The Jess Keating’s World of Weird Animal series. Maybe your kid is obsessed with all things Marvel? A superhero graphic novel might grab their attention. What about wanting to read what everyone else is reading? You can’t go wrong with Big Nate or Dog Man right now. Your child might be a fan of a movie without realizing there is a book too? Grab it!

Where Else Can You Find Suggestions

And now for the tricky part. What if you don’t have a really great children’s librarian or bookseller near you. That could definitely be a hindrance. You can try reaching out to the school librarian or your child’s teacher – they might have some suggestions. You can also jump online and do some searching there are tons of blogs (mine included) that offer all sorts of book suggestions! Try reaching out to friendly parents to see what their kids are reading. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but with so many books out there, there is definitely one that will speak to your kid. You just have to find it!

As a parent, be willing to understand that all reading is good reading. Whether your child is reading Sports Illustrated for Kids magazines, graphic novels, or listening to an audiobook, it’s all reading. And that’s the most important part.

For the month of April, I’ll be sharing tips for reaching reluctant readers as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. There are dozens of reasons why a child might be considered a “reluctant reader.” As summer nears, continued reading practice helps students to keep the reading skills they learned while reading for fun. But, that’s not easy when a child doesn’t want to sit down and read. I’ll be sharing 26 tips to meet reluctant readers where they are. And hopefully find a way to make reading bearable, if not even something they want to do!