Reluctant Readers

Many parents will say their children don't like reading, or don't like books. In these situations I don't believe that the kids don't like to read. I think it's that they haven't found a book they connect to yet.
If your children are struggling with reading, think outside the box to find ways for them to connect with words. Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be a traditional book. Magazines, websites, heck even instructions and project directions count. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Back to basics:

• For the beginning readers, label things around the house: "door," "shelf," "light switch," etc. Get them used to equating words with real things.
  
• Does your child have cereal at breakfast? Keep the box in front of him.
  
• Keep books and magazines around the house, anywhere the kids will be: breakfast table, bathroom, by their beds, in the living room. Make them accessible and casual.
  
• Set up a fun and cozy corner with different books, as a welcoming reading nook.
  
• Talk about reading as you would talk about playing or going somewhere fun -- make it a treat, not a chore.
  

Encourage:

• Grab hold of something that interests them, then find something to read that relates to it.
  
• Get fun books with less imposing pages, such as flap books, sticker books, puzzle books, etc.
  
• Listen to audiobooks or podcasts in the car, or around the house while doing other activities.
  
• Let your children "catch" you reading -- read around them.
  

Bring in the Library:

• Bring your children to the library for non-reading activities.
  
• Check out books for yourself while you're there. Show enthusiasm for the selection and your choices.
  
• Let the kids pick the reading material -- no matter what it is. Show them where different types of reading materials are, and let them loose.
  

Struggling Readers

It can be difficult to watch our children struggle, but, when it comes to reading, we can help them through encouragement and guidance.

• Start small and be patient. In everyday life, ask them what signs, posters, book covers, etc. say. Encourage them to sound out the letters if needed, rather than just guessing.
  
• Read books aloud to your children. Have them read a word or sentence periodically. As they get more confident, alternate reading pages with them.
  
• Get both audio and paper versions of a few books. Have your child listen to the audio version while following along in the paper book.
  
• Find a "read with dogs" program at a local library, or create your own by having your child read to a pet or stuffed animal. (Reading to an animal takes away the pressure and judgment the child may feel reading to another person.)
  

Voracious Readers

Do your kids like to read a little too much? Do they stay up well past their bedtime reading? Is your home overflowing with more books than you have room for?
While we all want to encourage our children to continue growing and learning, sometimes too much of a good thing can get in the way of other needs.

Suggestions:

• Impose time limits on reading time, for example at bedtime or when they need to get ready for school. Set a timer so there's no negotating.
  
• Insist on no reading at the dinner table, or at other times when family time and social engagements require attention.
  
• Create a reading schedule, so your child knows when he or she will have time to read. Guide them in finding appropriate times to sneak in extra reading.