SCHOOL NOTES
Reading Intervention
What to do when your child doesn’t like to read
D BY ANN DOLIN
oes your child hate to read? Are you
frustrated that they refuse to pick up a
book, and instead, would rather play on
their phone or watch TV? Are you tired of argu-
ing about reading? If so, you’re not alone. Many
parents struggle with a reluctant young reader.

What most parents do with this problem is
to argue. They force their kid to read as part
of their homework, which turns reading into
a burden and actually makes kids even more
resistant to reading. If you ignore this issue
now, it’ll get much worse. But how do you
encourage reading when it’s the last thing they
want to do?
Check out these six solutions below to inspire
reading in even the most hesitant bookworm.

Don’t worry
about whether
or not the book
is a classic or
is top-notch
literature. The
point is to get
your child
reading. Be a Detective
The first step is figuring out what interests your
child. Does your son or daughter love baseball?
Looking up stats on their favorite player and
reading their bios is definitely reading. And so
are the articles in Sports Illustrated for Kids.

Once you get your child hooked, take it one step
further by finding related books on the subject.

Check out “Katie, Batter Up!” by Coco Simon or
the “Baseball Great Series” by Tim Green. These
books will get your children reading without
them even realizing it!
Dig into a Series
Even the most reluctant readers will latch onto a
series such as “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” or engage
in the short passages of “The Guinness Book of
World Records.” Don’t worry about whether or
not the book is a classic or is top-notch litera-
ture. The point is to get your child reading. And
quite often, when a child enjoys a book, they’ll
seek out the next book in the series or another
title by the same author.

Reread a Favorite Book
Did you know that students improve their read-
ing fluency when they read a passage or book
three times? Repeated readings help with auto-
maticity, not just at that time, but down the road
as well.

Moreover, comprehension and fluency are
boosted when the student reads books slightly
below his current reading level. If your child
tends to gravitate towards easier books, allow
him to do so.

22 WashingtonFAMILY FEBRUARY 2019
Use the Five-Finger Rule
Some parents often make the mistake of choos-
ing a book for their child that is a little harder to
read than his current level.

If you’re unsure if the book is too difficult, use
the five-finger rule. If your child mispronounces
five or more words on one page, the book is too
hard. If he misses four words, reading will be a
challenge, but can be done. In that case, con-
sider reading the book together; you read two
pages and your child reads one. Children will
find more enjoyment in reading when you use
this 2:1 ratio. If only two or three mistakes are
made, the book is at the child’s interest level and
is A-OK. And when your youngster can read an
entire page perfectly, the book is likely a bit too
easy, but for some very reluctant readers, that is
perfectly fine.

Unplug the Electronics
Block out time each evening for reading. That
means turn off the television, put down the
iPhone and tablet, and have your child sign-off
Snapchat or Instagram. Similar to “D.E.A.R.”
in school, use 15 or 20 minutes before bedtime
to “Drop Everything And Read.” This is a great
time to instill the love of reading without the
distractions of technology.

Relax and Read without Criticizing
Take time to sit back, relax and read aloud with
your kids. Take turns, laugh together and enjoy
the moment. As much as possible, don’t correct
your child’s mistakes unless they detract from
the meaning of the story. As soon as kids feel
pressured or judged, they’re less willing to do
the task at hand, like reading. When your child
begins to associate reading with evening relax-
ation and the fun of delving into a page-turning
book, he’ll be more likely to read independently
and for pleasure later on.

Just remember, each child is different and
reading is not something to be forced or thrust
upon them! Encourage reading by introducing a
variety books and materials. If you feel as though
there may be more behind your child’s reluctance
to read, consider getting a reading tutor. ■
Ann Dolin is a former Fairfax County teacher
and current founder and president of
Educational Connections Tutoring, serving
the D.C. area.