As an erstwhile teacher, mainly in reception, I can attest to that fact that I’ve never come across a child who hasn’t enjoyed listening to me read aloud in class or eager to share a story with me. So when does this change and why? There can be many reasons children don’t want to read but there are things you can do to help your child to like reading.
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So what does happen to stop children reading for pleasure?
It’s Not Them It’s Us
📔Often it’s not children who change their reading habits, it’s us who change our relationship with children and books. Lots of children cease to be read with/ to from a certain age – in the UK this often happens as they transition into more independent readers and into KS2.
New Skills Needed
📔As children become more independent readers they begin to need to learn new skills to help them become readers for pleasure. Children who have learnt the basics to read may need help in understanding different genres and styles of writing to allow them to choose books that sing to them.
Reading Challenge
📔Reading needs to be the right level of challenge. Too easy and children can become bored. To tricky and it can put children off wanting to read. Reading with your child will help you to know what books that are comfortable with. Book bands in school can give you an idea of your children’s current reading level. You can find out more about book bands here and equivalent books that are not part of reading schemes in school but of a similar level here.
DNF – Did Not Finish – It’s OK!
📔Especially if children go to school there can be a pressure to ‘finish’ the reading book that they are reading regardless of whether they are enjoying it. This can be so demotivating. I know as an adult I have that sense that I must finish a book. However, some books should absolutely be left and move onto the next!
DNF – Did Not Finish – It’s OK!
📔There can be a gap between a child’s ability to read content and their interest level. Barrington Stoke are a great publisher for supporting this with their hi lo (high interest, low ability) books. Graphic novels are also forging an alternative path for young readers too.
Top Tips to Develop Reading for Pleasure
Be a Reader
⭐Modelling reading as a worthy pastime is so important. Letting children see you read and the pleasure you get from it.
Read Together
⭐Children may wane on their interest in books but giving children the opportunity to read quality texts with adults and independently when they feel confident to is so important. Don’t give up!
Reading Choice
⭐Ensuring children are exposed to a wealth of genres and types of books to see what piques their interest. Your child may have no interest in reading fiction currently but can’t get enough of learning about sharks.
Book Experiences
⭐Visits to libraries, bookshops and book events can ignite children’s passion for reading.
Book Recommendations to Get Kids Reading
Below you’ll find some of our top picks for getting kids to read. Many of these are part of a series. This works so well when children find a book that they love and are then able to indulge in more from the same series. Click here for title information.
#8BrilliantBooks
Joining in with Esther (@mrsbrownsbookbox ) for #8BrilliantBooks to get children reading and give them a zest for reading for pleasure. Do join in with your recommendations and check out others using this hashtag #8brilliantbooks2024_togetchildrenreading over on Instagram.
