Asking for Help with Reading?

Need Help Getting Your Son to Read?

Here are some quick strategies.

• Create a routine.

Setting a routine can help him view reading as an integral part of their day. Whether it’s for a half-hour after dinner or right before bed, consistency with reading routine will help him fall in love with books.

• Fill your home with books.

Research from Science News shows that the number of books in the home is linked to kids’ reading achievement and overall success. It also helps if he see you reading, especially if you're Dad or Grandad. Model reading and he'll decide it's cool.

• Try audiobooks.

Before my son was comfortable reading physical books, we would listen to audiobooks. It helped spark a passion for stories. Audiobooks also work seamlessly with driving between sports events and appointments.

• Set goals.

Sit down with your son and set some reading-based goals. Maybe it's one chapter a day. Or three chapter books a month. Begin with a low-bar standard—don't make reading another dreaded chore. Simply give him an easy place to start. The goal can always be adjusted later.

• Get your a library card.

Trips to the library give kids a sense of responsibility and ownership. With their own library card, they can discover new reads, and feel some control over their reading journey.

• Read as a family.

Maybe it's round-robin game, where each family member reads a paragraph or a chapter aloud. Maybe Mom or Dad reads aloud through the entire book. Whatever way you choose, reading as a family will make him cherish books more.

• Let him play

Early on, my son listened best when his hands were moving. As someone read aloud, he liked to doodle, color, or play with Legos. But he was always listening. Don't mistake a boy's urge to move with inattention. Some boys, particularly physically active ones, actually hear MORE by not sitting still.