I had just finished up my welcome presentation to all of my new parents and students at the back to school night when a parent came up to me and said, “Well, good luck getting David to read this year! He hates books!” Knowing that she was referring to the part of the presentation where I explained how much I love reading and how we were going to read so many great books in first grade, I smiled at her, knowing that I had some reluctant reader strategies and was up for the challenge!
I believe that there is a book to unlock every reader’s heart, and our mission as teachers is to find the right key.
3 Reluctant Reader Strategies
Reluctant readers are a struggle. Teachers have to figure out ways to get those students to enjoy reading or at least try to read something. It sometimes takes a while to discover, but here are three reluctant reader strategies to help you find the key to unlock your reluctant reader’s heart:
Find out their interests
The first question I asked David wasn’t, “What books do you like?” because I knew that would lead to a dead end. Instead, I asked him questions about his interests, such as, “What kinds of things do you do when you’re not at school? What do you like to watch or play?” When I asked David these questions, his eyes lit up, and he answered, “Pokémon! I love Pokémon!” Bingo—I knew what kind of key to try first!
Prepare your classroom library
Honestly, at the time, I didn’t even know how to properly pronounce Pokémon, much less own anything Pokémon-related. However, I knew that if I was going to help David’s love of reading begin, I needed to find some books he’d be willing to try.
Students need to have access to books on topics they are interested in! So, I got some Pokémon books, and when I brought them to school, I pulled David aside and said, “Do you remember how you told me you love Pokémon? Well, you won’t believe what I found! Would you like to take a look at these?” Hook, line, and sinker—he was like a fish lured to the bait, and when he was finished with the books, he asked me if I had more! His reader’s heart had been unlocked!
Let them choose
Not only is interest important, but student choice is important, too. I recently finished reading a wonderful fiction book, and guess what? No one told me I had to read it! It was a book I was interested in, and I decided to give it a try.
Students need access to a wide variety of books and the opportunity to pick and try books that they want to read so that their love of reading can grow! By trying other books in our classroom library, David discovered that he also liked Superhero books, mysteries, and animal stories.
I’ll never forget the day that we were doing centers, and David was supposed to be at his favorite center, iPads. Instead, he returned to my guided reading table and said, “Mrs. Foxwell, can I go pick out new books and read them instead?” ABSOLUTELY!! David became such a reader during his time in my classroom that I gave him the Bookworm End Of The Year Award!
There is nothing better than helping a student discover their love for reading! As teachers, we have the joy and privilege of helping them find the key to unlock their readers’ hearts. Hopefully these reluctant reader strategies help!
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