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Motivating the Reluctant Reader by Natasha Campbell |
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Most parents know the importance of reading and there are many articles and books dedicated to helping parents understand how important reading is to their child. These books and articles say that parents should set the example by having their children see them reading, parents should read to their children from a young age, and that parents should listen to their children read to them. However, what happens when the parent has followed the guidelines set out, and yet your child still shows little or no interest in reading?
First, and most important, determine if there is a physical problem hindering your child. Physical difficulties could include learning disability or vision impairment. Where vision problems are, for the most part, easily corrected, other physical difficulties may require more time and effort, and, possibly, the assistance of professionals. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), 1 in 6 children encounter a problem learning to read in the first three years of schooling. A few disabilities that could affect reading are dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, auditory discrimination, and visual perception. Some common signs to watch for are problems understanding what is read, difficulty spelling beyond what is considered 'normal', expressing thoughts orally or in writing, or understanding how to play age-appropriate games. Other signs may include a delay in speaking, learning the alphabet, numbers, or other basic information. It is vitally important for parents who notice their child exhibiting some of these signs to seek assistance. According to the 23rd annual report to Congress in 2001, over 25% of children with learning disabilities drop out of high school. However, you can help your child succeed by providing them with opportunities to learn at their own pace, or in a way they enjoy most. Parents of learning disabled children have found books on tape, or even enrolling their child in a language program to be beneficial. Parents of children with reading disabilities can encourage their children to read by providing reading materials on subjects in which they have an interest. For example, if a child is interested in volcanoes, that child's parents can use the library, bookstores, and the Internet to find reading materials. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), although more than just a learning disorder, can contribute to a child’s lack of interest in reading. Children who suffer from ADD or ADHD often find it difficult to sit for any length of time, since their minds move so quickly from subject to subject. Thus, reading may not hold their attention long enough for them to grasp the basics. Children who may have ADD may often have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks, seem not to listen, fail to follow instructions or finish work, or become easily distracted. ADHD may combine some of the above along with fidgeting, restless, or difficulty waiting in line or taking turns. The best things you can do for an ADD/ADHD child is be flexible and understanding. Perfection should never be required of a child who struggles with any type of learning disability, since they have to work extra hard to grasp the basics, and demanding perfection will only frustrate them. However, simple, short-term goals can add to a learning disabled child’s self esteem and desire to learn more. Set a goal of reading one paragraph a day, at first, then try two paragraphs, and so on. Praise your child with hugs, kisses, and time at the park when they make a goal. And if they don’t, for whatever reason, kindly explain you understand how hard it is for them, reevaluate their goal to make sure it isn’t too difficult, and encourage them to try again. But what if your child doesn’t have a vision or learning difficulty? As everyone has different likes and dislikes, there will be people who don’t find reading enjoyable or relaxing. However, you can make reading interesting by allowing your child to pick a book or magazine that would interest them, even if it is something as 'frivolous' as a comic book. In lieu of gifts, ask family and friends to give your child a gift certificate to a bookstore. Use books or magazines as a reward, instead of candy or toys. Set aside one night a week where you read to them, and make it exciting - change your voice for the different people, yell, whisper, make faces, or pound the chair - show them how fun reading can be. Be cautious about comparing one child’s achievement with another, as this can lead to a feeling of failure in the struggling child. You may even want to put on small plays or skits for family and friends. Learning a part would involve reading. Lastly, do your best to provide opportunities for your child to succeed. Find creative solutions to frustrating problems. And always seek help from family, friends, or professionals. After all, if Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, Leonardo da Vinci, Whoopi Goldberg, and Winston Churchill could all overcome a learning disability to lead successful lives, so will your child Websites: You may also wish to do a search for 'learning disabilities', 'ADD', 'ADHD', or the name of the specific learning disability your child may have. © 2003 Natasha Campbell. All rights reserved. Re-printed with permission. Originally published on NatashaCampbell.com. |
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Natasha Campbell has spent nearly her whole life in California, mostly in the Los Angeles area. She is a published poet, freelance writer, avid reader, and an aspiring children's and young adult writer. She enjoys old movies, techno music, and horseback riding. She has homeschooled her youngest son since kindergarten and homeschooled her middle school son during the summer. | ||
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