Reading Tips
A furry reading buddy
Since I am dyslexic, I really struggled to read. I would get very frustrated and I was embarrassed to sound the words out in front of anyone. We adopted a guinea pig, Queen Bob, and Mom suggested that I read to her as part of her socialization time. I discovered that when I read to Bob, she would listen quietly, and she would never laugh or make fun of me when I struggled with a word. Bob seemed to enjoy it when I would read to her, and that encouraged me to read even more. I was practicing and learning without realizing it!
Many libraries have a Paws to Read program in which children can read to a dog. Those are wonderful for kids who don't have a pet. However, it is nice to have a little buddy at home that you can read to for as long as you like and whenever the mood strikes you. |
Reading nook
Ideally, having a sunny, welcoming place set aside for reading is wonderful. For example, an area next to a south-facing window (for perpetual sunshine) overlooking a flower garden does wonders to calm a person. It sets a happy tone, and if you get frustrated while you're reading, a quick glance outside can help calm you. Keep a crate or bin nearby for library books, and stock a bookshelf with your own favorite books.
|
Library card
Please make good use of your local library. The selection can satisfy even the most reluctant reader. My suggestion is that the child or teen choose the books themselves if possible. Also, rather than choose just one or two books to take home, I've found it's much better to allow the children to select a number of books. Yes, it is more to keep track of, but for reluctant readers, it is best to have a wide selection from which to choose. Often, a book that seemed wonderful while you were at the library turns into a frustrating nightmare after you get home. If you have no other books from which to choose, you'll choose to read nothing. If you have a large selection of books, you have the option of choosing another book when one frustrates you. Even if you only read a certain number of pages in each book, you're reading and that's great!
|
Choosing a good book
|
The best way to choose a book is by choosing one that has outstanding content. In the ideal world, you would follow the suggestions below (references, reviews, awards, etc). But let's face it, the first thing you see when you look at a book is the cover. Although they say that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover (and that is sound advice), that cover is something that will cause you to stop and at least look at the book. The other superficial aspect of the book that attracts attention is an intriguing title. Now that the book has grabbed your attention, the next thing you look at is the "blurb" or synopsis that is often printed either on the back of the book or on the flaps. If the synopsis sounds interesting, by all means read that book!
Another way to find a good book is to ask your local librarian. Most libraries maintain lists of books for reluctant readers at each reading level. For teen or young adult readers, the library's Teen Advisory Board maintains an annual list of the Teen Top Ten books. Amazon (www.amazon.com) is a good source of information. Each book typically has at least one synopsis and several reviews. Amazon also has a "Look Inside" feature that allows you to see pages inside the book. That gives you a good indication of writing style, font and layout. These factors are especially important to beginning or dyslexic readers (see below). For beginning readers, illustrations are very important. Books that are nominated for the Caldecott Medal usually have outstanding illustrations. If the illustrations are appealing to the reader, the book can seem more interesting. Choose a book that is illustrated so well that you can understand the story before you ever read a word. Those illustrations will help you figure out what the words are and keep you from getting frustrated. For dyslexics, the font and layout are very important. Dyslexics prefer a clean, simple font on a tinted background. Adequate spacing between the letters, words and paragraphs is crucial. For more tips go to http://dyslexickids.net/Welcome.html. |
Think outside the box!
For reluctant readers, just the idea of reading an entire book can seem daunting. Instead, be creative!
Twitter Twitter? Are you kidding? No, I'm not. Twitter can be a wonderful tool to encourage you to read, particularly if you follow the right people. Having a limit of 140 characters per tweet means that it doesn't take long to read, but interesting tweets will often lead you to longer articles or blogs, and those will often lead you to interesting books. Also, the tweets can make you laugh, keep you informed about the latest scientific breakthroughs, and give you something to think about. For example, if you follow @Spelling_Tips on Twitter, you'll receive regular tips and tricks to improve your spelling. If you follow @DrKakusUniverse you'll learn about everything from quantum computers to the possibility of using transporters in the future. If you follow @Bob_Guinea_Pig you'll be entertained and start your day with a much-needed laugh. Conversations When you are reading a message, it doesn't feel like you are reading. To get the full benefit of reading and spelling, I'd suggest that you use complete words when communicating, rather than the shorthand used in texting (R U OK?), whenever possible. If you join a support group, such as the Dyslexic Kids discussion group on Yahoo (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/dyslexic_kids) you'll not only meet other reluctant readers, you'll make friends, share tips and ideas, and practice reading all at the same time. Magazines Libraries and book stores have a huge selection of magazines. No matter what you are interested in, there's a magazine that covers it. Reluctant readers must love the subject matter. If a reluctant reader is a bird watcher like me, a magazine like Birds and Blooms is ideal. I read that magazine cover to cover, and I also read the books and field guides that they recommend. All of that practice has increased my reading time, improved my spelling, and broadened my vocabulary. Since magazines concentrate on a particular subject, the entire magazine is often interesting to the reader. The wonderful thing about magazines is that the articles are relatively short and the illustrations are usually fantastic. There is often a bibliography attached to the article directing you to additional articles or books on that topic. Apps There are countless apps for iPhone/iPad and Android phones and tablets on the market for reluctant readers. There are interactive books that make you forget you are reading, and there are educational apps that teach phonics and grammar. Apps are relatively inexpensive and since they are on a mobile device you can take them anywhere. If you are standing in line at the grocery store, you can whip out your phone and read a book, learn a new grammar tip, or increase your vocabulary. Hollywood If you have a favorite show or movie, or even if you have a favorite toy or game, chances are someone has written a book about it. Reading books about your favorite characters or story lines are a lot of fun because there is a certain amount of familiarity about the book already. With that feeling of comfort, it makes the act of reading feel less difficult. Comics Comic strips are a great way to start reading. They are short, well illustrated, and make you laugh. If you enjoy reading something, you will naturally want to read more. There are a lot of comic books based on the characters and story lines from the comic strips. There are even some chapter books. Fans often start with the comic strips and quickly graduate to the books. Reading can be frustrating to a reluctant reader, but the joy you get from reading the comics makes it worth the struggle. The bottom line is, reading is everywhere. Find something that you love to read, and go for it! Reading that tweet just might lead to a blog which points you to a magazine article. Before you know it, you just might find yourself thoroughly immersed in a thick, nonfiction book that you would have never considered reading before! |
|