If you’re new to this blog series and you’re wondering what’s up with this “Adventures in Tutoring Daily Challenge,” you can find its origin story right here.
Now, on to day 8 . . .
When working with a child who is reluctant to read, it’s important to . . .
GET TO THE REAL REASON THE CHILD DOESN’T WANT TO READ! BECAUSE THERE IS AN UNDERLYING REASON FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF NOT WANTING TO READ.
And, I MEAN . . . THE REAL REASON! Or else, a child’s progression in reading skills development can be hampered if you’re not addressing the problem at its core.
In problem identification, it’s imperative that you verbally ask the child why he or she doesn’t enjoy reading or may have some inhibitions about reading. And then, it’s important to acknowledge the reason and the validity it holds in the child’s mindset.
Don’t brush it off or give it no place of credence or relevance. The reason is real to the child. And again, this root cause (the reason) for the child’s reluctance in reading activities is what needs to be addressed in order for the child to be receptive to completing reading tasks as well as to develop and improve in this fundamentally necessary skill set.
Several years ago, I actually interviewed and provided polls and questionnaires to a small pool of teachers, parents, children, and members of several social media communities. One of the questions that was posed to all of the individuals who responded was as follows:
What are 3 reasons some children may not want to participate in reading activities?
And, here’s what I received as the top responses for the main reasons why some children may have inhibitions about, apprehensions about, or flat-out don’t want to engage in reading activities.
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- Reading is boring, or the topic/book is boring and not entertaining enough.
- Reading isn’t fun, or child would rather do something else that’s more fun.
- Child is not interested in reading or doesn’t like the topic or book being read.
- Books are too long.
- Child is not good at reading.
- Child is nervous about reading in front of others.
- Parent never reads to child.
- Child never learned to read.
- Reading isn’t started at an early age.
- Reading requires patience, and it may be difficult to hold a child’s attention with some reading activities.
- Child feels like he or she is being forced to read.
- Child may display a general lack of effort and focus when it comes to educational work-related activities.
- Child never gets to read his or her favorite types of books.
- Parent doesn’t stress the importance of reading to the child.
- Parent works and doesn’t have time to help the child develop reading skills.
I’m curious to know if you have any additional reasons (not listed as one of the 15) that you’ve witnessed, experienced, or heard of, regarding the poll question stated above. Please let me know if you do. I’d like to add them to my list.
In the next blog post, I’d like to present the poll responses I received for “What are 3 ways adults can help make reading more enjoyable for children?”
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Phil – two cents worth . . . Nah! This topic of technology hindering our children is SO SPOT ON! (I’m adding it to my list right now.) In the realm of literacy (in general — both reading and writing), I think that technology has been a blessing in some ways, but I think it can also be a hinderance to children learning fundamental literacy skills. True, children do develop different interests as they get older and may find other activities more worthy of their time and attention. So, your children reflected what children naturally do. But yes, today’s technology has created such a change in children’s perspectives on enjoyable entertainment. They have too many other things (outside of books) that are giving the books a run for their money. Thank you (and your wife) for sharing your real-life experience to shed light on a response to a such a layered question. I appreciate you both. And, please let your wife know I said that, Phil. Have a great weekend, my friend.
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Jana, this is what I call an interesting question. I will make a couple of observations, but, to be honest, I don’t think anyone really knows.
My wife and I read to our two boys every night, from the moment they could look at a colourful picture book, until they lost interest, whatever that age was. In any event, it was for many years. For some reason or other, they just lost interest, regardless of the book’s looks or topic matter. I think they couldn’t stand sitting still for very long, which translated to their later school years.
I put the question to my wife, and this was her comment. “They just lost interest as they were far more interested in doing something outdoors.” She also thinks that this is more of a boy thing, and to a certain extent, I agree with her. Remember, this was long before the internet.
In the modern world, there are far too many electronic distractions to contend with. I see three-year-olds holding iPads in their pushchairs these days. I don’t think they will read much as they grow older!
Yes, I would definitely recommend that parents read to their children from the time they can hold their heads high and continue for as long as they remain interested. However, the quantity of electronic apparatus in the household and who uses it will undoubtedly affect the outcome.
There! That’s my two cents worth (not worth five cents).
Regards, Phil
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