How to Teach a Child to Read Who Doesn’t Want To—7 Tips

by Mary Follin

How to teach a child to read who isn’t interested in learning? There are lots of techniques to use, but you know your child best. Through trial and error—and by using a few of the tips below—you can motivate your child.

​Are you a parent looking for ideas on how to teach a child to read who DOESN’T want to learn? Let’s face it, sometimes teaching a child to read who doesn’t want to feels like work. Especially in the early lessons, where there are some basics that need to be covered before the real fun begins.

So the question is: How to teach a child to read who doesn’t want to?

Learning all the sounds of the alphabet can be a tedious process, but until your child knows those, he or she won’t get to enjoy sounding out words and, well, reading.

And nobody likes working with a grumpy, resistant child. (Imagine how a teacher feels with a room full of them!)

 

Check out ‘ASK MOM‘ in Fredericksburg Parent & Family magazine for advice on issues you may be experiencing as a parent!

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Anxious teen!

When you’re working with your child (on anything, for that matter), does she wiggle a lot? Does he want to talk about what he’s got on the bottom of his shoe? Does she look at everything but what you’re trying to show her?

If so, your child is perfectly normal. And fortunately, teaching reading with phonics is simple, straight-forward, and works like building blocks. Over time, even the most distracted pupil can learn how to read. And a distracted parent can teach a child to read, so don’t worry if you’ve got a lot going on.

Keeping it short is the key to success for you and your child!

7 Tips: How to Teach a Child to Read Who Doesn’t Want to

1. Keep it short. Three to five minutes a day, three to five days a week is plenty of time to spend on lessons. Short sessions help keep your child engaged, and as an added bonus, you will always leave your young pupil wanting more!

2. Praise your child. Reward her with hugs and applause, even when things seem to be moving slowly. There are certain personality-types that will do anything for praise. If your child is one of those, hang a chart on the wall and put a gold star on it each time you finish a lesson.

Take her to tea when she earns a week’s worth of stars.

3. Be creative. Draw a picture of a word after she reads it. Or balloons when she gets her sounds right.

4. Get moving. To keep your child physically engaged, let him blow bubbles or throw a ball each time he gets a word right. 

5. Make it cozy. Ideally, lesson time is on-your-lap time. If your child doesn’t get enough of this on most days, spending time on your lap will help keep him still. (Not too much time, though. You’ve got a short window before your child will want to get down. See #1!)

6. Check your child’s vitals. Make sure your child is comfortable, well-fed, and rested before you begin each lesson.

7. Give it up. If it becomes too much of a struggle, stop and pick up where you left off next time. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to set the materials aside for a few weeks—or months. Take your cue from your child. She might be letting you know that she’s not ready yet.

In any reading program designed to teach a child to read who is under the age of 5, the lessons really must stick to a 5 minute limit to accommodate the short attention span of a small child (or a busy parent).

You must also be willing to put the lessons aside if your child displays signs that he or she isn’t ready. One of the biggest downfalls is the overzealousness of the parent; it’s tempting to keep pushing everything along so that you can start seeing results.

If this is how you feel, please don’t rush your child. There are no deadlines. Try to remember that each lesson is a time of enrichment, not measured success. Showing off your child’s reading skills to friends and family may put undue pressure on her. Believe me, as your child’s confidence grows, she will proudly display on her own what she has learned!

​If you’ve been wondering how to teach a child to read who doesn’t want to learn, don’t worry. All it takes is time, patience and a willingness to set a pace that works for your child.

​You’ll get there!

Try our gentle, nurturing approach to teaching phonics!

Questions parents ask about children who don’t like to read:

Why doesn’t my child like to read?

There could be various reasons why your child doesn’t enjoy reading. It might be because they haven’t found the right type of book that captures their interest yet. It could also be due to learning difficulties, lack of confidence, or associating reading with negative experiences.

It’s essential to explore these possibilities and work with your child to find solutions.

What can I do to encourage my child to read more?

Start by making reading a fun and enjoyable activity rather than a chore. Allow your child to choose books that interest them, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, or magazines.

Create a cozy reading nook at home and set aside dedicated time for reading together. Additionally, be a reading role model by letting your child see you read regularly.

How can I help my child improve their reading skills?

Encourage regular reading practice by incorporating it into your daily routine. Offer support and guidance when your child encounters difficult words or passages. Consider using reading apps or audiobooks to make reading more accessible and engaging.

It’s also beneficial to engage in discussions about the books your child reads to improve comprehension and critical thinking skills.

My child gets frustrated easily while reading. What should I do?

Patience is key when dealing with a frustrated reader. Offer encouragement and praise for their efforts, no matter how small. Break down the reading material into smaller chunks to make it more manageable.

Provide opportunities for your child to practice reading aloud, as this can help build confidence and fluency. If your child continues to struggle, consider seeking assistance from a teacher or reading specialist.

Should I be concerned if my child doesn’t enjoy reading at a young age?

While it’s natural for children to have varying interests and preferences, a dislike for reading could potentially impact their academic performance and overall development. It’s essential to address any concerns early on and provide support to help your child cultivate a love for reading.

Keep an open line of communication with your child’s teachers and be proactive in addressing any challenges they may face with reading.

Is your child making a habit of stretching the truth?

Read more ASK MOM for advice on parenting from toddlers to teens.

Winner of the Gertrude Warner Book Award and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, an adventure for kids ages 8-12 who love video games. Available on Audible, Kindle & paperback.

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Ready to Teach a Child to Read? Give Teach Your Child to Read a Try!

Founder and creator Mary Follin started her career as a systems engineer with IBM. She’s worked in product development, market research, and more recently provides marketing consulting to professional services firms. Beyond creating Teach Your Child to Read, she is also the author of Ethyr, winner of the the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and the Gertrude Warner Book Award.

Mary is also author, with Kristi Crosson, of the advice column ASK MOM in Fredericksburg Parent & Family magazine. She is also a regular contributor to DAILY MOM on the topic of children’s literacy.