Saturday, August 11, 2012

Reading for the Reluctant Reader (Part II)

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article entitled, "Reading for the Reluctant Reader". This article sparked more interest than I anticipated, and more parents wanted to know about other ways to engage their son or daughter in reading. Thus, I have penned more options that I think will offer additional support. Here goes...

Book Club(s)
A book club is a fun and exciting way to exercise reading and comprehension, learn new words, and express opinions. Starting a book club is easy to form. Try the following:
• Have your child or school extend an invitation to seek participants.

• Pick reading materials that everyone can benefit from (ie. sequel or series books, Highlights Magazine, Sports books and journals, mysteries, drama, etc.) or ask potential members what books they are drawn to reading.

• Provide a fun activity based on the book or story. Participation is crucial within a book club and this is a way to get everyone to participate. Also, an activity will reinforce or provide knowledge. Activities can be word games, Pictionary, role playing, spoken word, and more.

• Decide on a designated time, place, and length of your book club. Make sure that it’s amenable to each participant and their parent(s) or guardian.


Battle of the Books
"Battle of the Books" is another way to promote and build reading skills. Check with your school's librarian about the "Battle of the Books" competition (which include State Award Titles). For elementary and middle schools, these competitions occur annually with local-area schools. So if your son or daughter likes to compete, this may be a good opportunity to win at reading!

Reading Apps
Reading apps bring excitement and enthusiam to reading. There are several that work on an IPad, IPhone, smart phones, and tablets. Plus, they can be easily downloaded! Scholastic has developed an app called Storia which allows one to download, read, and interact with books that have been selected by their reading experts. So download free stories and excercises! Hopefully, they will appeal to your son or daughter.

In closing, I have raised the stakes and have elevated this game called reading. May these options provide more insight and encourage your reluctant reader to grow, growgrow!


Helen H. Kimbrough
Proud Mom of a voracious reader and a reluctant reader