How to Re-Engage Reluctant Readers

The holidays are winding down, and, let's face it, many children are probably not very enthused about the coming week's return to school. Although one Christmas carol's lyrics mention that "...Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again," the parents of children who often struggle in school may be much less excited about classes resuming and the reading that will be required. What can a parent or teacher do to entice, engage and sustain the attention of an unfocused or reluctant reader?

1. Conduct an Interest Inventory.
First of all, it is imperative that you know the interests of the child or students in question. Most parents are very aware of their child's areas of interest. However, if you aren't aware of these, it is possible to do an Interest Inventory to learn which topics truly interest your child, teen or student(s). Please refer to the list of resources to follow here.

2. Why the Interest Inventory Is Valuable.
Once the interest inventory is completed by the child or the individual students, a parent or teacher will then have the needed (and very valuable) information to either direct the students to or gather the books for them on the topics of interest cited in those inventories. Reviewing the information once provided can be very revealing and give an important indication, for example, if non-fiction is preferred over fiction, if history books are of more interest than geography books or the like. The data collected can also serve as invaluable information on which to base future lesson plans, units of study or projects for specific groups of students or individual children, as may be appropriate.

3. The Interest Inventory Is Completed---Now What?
a. If budgets are low (or non-existent, as is sometimes the case), consider downloading FREE e-books for your child(ren) or student(s). For helpful resources of this type without cost, please visit our recent blog article entitled Best FREE e-Books to Engage Young Readers of ALL Ages. Please keep in mind that many e-books can be read on an existing PC or Mac computer, smartphone or tablet without the purchase of an additional device such as a Kindle, Nook or Kobo e-reader. Again, for more information on this, please refer to the resources to follow here.

b. Also, make good use of your school library, local public library or other community library for direct access to physical books on the topics presented in the completed interest inventories.

c. Consider grouping the books according to topic and placing each grouping in a specific area of your home or in a particular classroom location. Provide bean bag chairs and/or soft carpeting in these areas to more readily invite students or children to read---and with more comfort.

d. Teachers will observe that students with similar interests will gather in those areas where "their" books are stored. In so doing, not only will the children be more likely to initiate conversations with their peers about mutually-interesting topics and books, but they just might continue those discussions beyond the reading room or the classroom walls.

e. Finally, ensure that reluctant or struggling readers have the tools they need to read effectively and with success. To learn more about what kinds of low-tech AND digital tools are available for challenged readers in any age group, please visit www.FocusandRead.com.

The result? Improved interest in reading, better communication as well as better developed reading and discussion skills and increased literacy will be only a few of the benefits of such an approach. We can't think of a better way to begin the NEW Year than to encourage and re-engage reluctant readers to pick up a book that interests them and READ. Can you?

FREE Interest Inventory Templates

Student Interest Inventory Questionnaire (from Scholastic Books for Grades: 2-7)
http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=35571

Student Interest Inventory Questionnaire (from Scholastic Books for Grades: 4-9)
http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=35689

Free Interest Inventory Test For High School Students
FREE printable interest inventories with related documents, manuals and e-books for high school students.
https://docs.askives.com/free-interest-inventory-test-for-high-school-students.html

AREA 10 SCHOOL-TO-WORK: Career Interest and Skill Inventories (from Area 10 Schools in Iowa)
http://www.aea10.k12.ia.us/curr/stw/Career-Interest-Inv.html

Collection of Interest Surveys (from Michigan City Area Schools)
We don't always know what we want, let alone need. An interest survey can help a teacher figure out what his or her students are thinking, what they may want or even need, and how they can best be helped. To find out more about yourself, take an interest survey. The surveys listed in this collection are either web-based or printable.
http://www.mcas.k12.in.us/Page/4826

Compiled Documents for Reading---Vocational Interest Inventories
http://www.wpracetech.com/tor/reading-free-vocational-interest-inventory-2-rfvii-2/

Other Resources

FREE Kindle Reading App---by Amazon.com
Follow the easy steps presented here to start reading on your tablet, smartphone, or computer:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/kcp-landing-page?ie=UTF8&ref_=klp_mn

FREE NOOK Reading App---by Barnes & Noble
Get the most incredible reading experience for your iPad, iPhone and iPod touch®. Access over 3 million books—including 1 million FREE titles—plus magazines, newspapers, comics, and more. Sample NOOK books FREE and try any newspaper or magazine FREE for 14 days.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nook/id373582546?mt%3D8

FREE Kobo Reading App---by Kobo, Inc.
Download the FREE Kobo e-reader app to read whenever and wherever you want, and then choose from a catalog of more than 4 million of the world's best titles.
http://www.kobo.com/apps

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas---by James Pierpont (published, 1857)
Reference for lyrics, "...Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again."
http://www.the-north-pole.com/carols/look.html

5 Super Strategies to Encourage Reading This Spring---& Always!

Were you thinking that spring might NEVER arrive? We certainly were! Here in the Midwest, we had a winter to remember. It was definitely one for the record books, as we managed to dig out of more than our usual number of snow storms and manage too many frigid days. However, spring has finally sprung, and we couldn't be happier. As always, we think it is a GREAT time to read, too!

To help usher in this new and long-awaited season, we wanted to share with you a few resources to help encourage more reading this spring, whether for your children or for your students. It is very possible to combine the refreshing outdoor activities you can again enjoy with the pleasures and benefits of reading---and we'll prove it.

Springtime Strategies to Encourage Your Children to Read

1. Coordinate an Outdoor Activity with a Themed Book
Did you know that the coordinated skills required for jumping rope actually promote more brain connectivity? That's right! Why not teach your child the "how-to" of this activity, and then combine it with reading a book about jumping rope? You and your child will enjoy the benefits of this excellent physical activity AND a coordinated, literary experience---all at the same time.

Of course, it doesn't have to be the activity of jumping rope. It could be about walking, gardening, hopscotch or whatever activity you and your child or students choose to do. To get you started, however, we can recommend a couple of books you and your child might enjoy on the topic of jumping rope:

a. Hope Learns to Jump Rope---by Amy Cancryn
This is a new book published in December 1013 (paperback---Kindle eBook also available).

b. Anna Banana: 101 Jump Rope Rhymes---by Joanna Cole and Alan Tiegreen
Great rhymes and short poems for jumping rope!

c. Jumping Rope the Second Time Around---by Carlos Coffman, Bobie Capel and Samuel G. Coffman
This is an excellent book for parents when jumping rope is a "distant memory."

2. Keep Books Handy---Everywhere
Get into the good habit of carrying at least 1 or more books with you wherever you go. Store them in a tote bag or other container for "wait times" in the car. Keep 1 or 2 books in your purse for a "quick read" in a long check-out line. Slip a couple of children's books into the baby's diaper bag, too. That way, you'll be ready to read no matter where you go this spring. At home or in the classroom, carefully arrange books in baskets stored on the floor within easy reach of young children. Replace your big "coffee table books" with children's favorite books or action-packed paperbacks for teens. Just watch what happens.

3. Read on the Go---Anytime, Anywhere!
Did you know that Barnes and Noble provides a FREE Nook Reading APP for your smartphone or tablet? Yes! You can access it without charge by visiting the company's webpage at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/nook/379003208. That way, when you are waiting in the pediatrician's office with your children or another time when "patience" can get the better of children---AND parents, you will be ready to read to your children or provide them with an e-book they can read. If you prefer the Kindle app for smartphones and tablets, you can access it from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000493771.

4. Organize a Children's Book Club
Start a children's book club in your community or classroom. Give the club a name that the children suggest or recommend. You can even have a naming contest with a favorite book as a prize for the best or creative name. You can even award "stars" for library visits or bookstore "browsings." Your neighbors and parents will thank you in spades!

If this idea sounds a bit daunting, it could easily be implemented on a smaller scale for just your family with parents (or grandparents) and children each having opportunities to read aloud and share ideas about main characters, plots and more. This kind of activity will not only encourage literacy in your family, but it will also draw the family closer together with the good quality time spent.

5. Plan a Few Library "Field Trips"
Finally, don't be afraid to take a walk to the library (even the school library!) If your local lending library is within walking distance, try it with your child. Talk about the books you read last week or discuss what kinds of books you will be searching for when you arrive at the library. If walking is not feasible, the same conversations can be had just as easily in the family car or in the classroom before and after these visits. Don't be surprised if you end up creating some "good old days" memories for you, your child or your students in the process.

We're hoping that you find these strategies will help you promote literacy in your family or classroom this spring season. Who knows? Perhaps these ideas will start a few new, good habits that will last well past springtime, into the summer---and ALWAYS!

For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Why iPads & Kindles Are Great Tools for Struggling Readers

It’s no secret that over the past couple of years, various types of technology have changed the way we read today. We have the renowned Kindle e-readers from Amazon and the iPads from Apple. Other technological devices have also played a big part in enhancing our reading experiences.

It may not be as well known, however, that these same tech devices can be especially helpful to struggling readers. Whether the struggle to read is the result of ADHD, dyslexia, autism or another issue, these e-readers, e-tablets, smartphones and other devices can not only promote more reading success for struggling readers, but they can also make it possible for them to read in the first place.

Why are these tech devices particularly beneficial for challenged readers of any age? We’ve gathered information here to form 2 lists, one for each tech device’s advantages for challenged readers. We hope these lists help you discover which device may be best for your reading needs or that of a child or student who struggles to read.

Some of iPad’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Ease of Use: It’s easy to find books at the various stores available (Kindle, Nook & iBooks.)
• Screen Quality: The iPad screen is clear, bright and eminently readable.
• Access to Text: It can also be used to access formatted text like that of a PDF document and open it in GoodReader. (http://www.goodiware.com/goodreader.html).
• Text to Speech (TTS) Feature: This TTS feature allows students to hear the words they read. Visually-impaired students as well as other students can benefit from this as they hear the proper pronunciation of words as they “read” texts.
• VoiceOver Feature: This feature is available for all installed apps on iPads. This is a screen reader that allows the user to point to something on the iPad and hear a description of what is at that location.
• Zoom Feature: This feature allows users to enlarge any item on the screen. The iPad also allows for connection to refreshable Braille displays using a wireless Bluetooth connection.
• Customization: A teacher, parent or other adult can customize an iPad to meet the individual needs of a reader.
(Sources: The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown &
10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs---See links to follow.)

Some of Kindle’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Visual Formatting: Students with visual impairments can select the appropriate text size on a Kindle to meet their needs. (Push a button to increase or decrease font size.) This has increased engagement for many students who have difficultly seeing normal font size.
• Easy Downloading: Kindle content can easily be downloaded to the computer. This feature allows for even larger text and the ability to change the color / format. The Kindle PC option provides countless opportunities for students who require more specific text features.
• Screen Quality: The Kindle screen can also help diminish glare and “visual stress” from white page backgrounds as well as from florescent lighting for some readers.
• Text to Speech: For students who require read aloud, the Kindle is able to read any Kindle text out loud. By plugging in headphones, students can listen to books and short stories. This feature can help increase reading engagement for struggling readers and also to provide more independence to these students.
• Convenience: For students whom have difficulty flipping pages or holding open books, the Kindle provides a convenient alternative. By pushing a button, students are able to flip through pages and chapters. Additionally, for students with more severe physical disabilities, there may be some potential of connecting a switch to the Kindle.
• Organization: For students with organization troubles, the Kindle helps them out by saving the page they read.
• Dictionary Feature: The Kindle provides immediate assistance for unknown vocabulary words. By using the dictionary, which is embedded within the text, students can access texts that are at challenging reading level.
(Source: Adapted from the Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program---See link to follow.)

Additional Resources

Why and when the iPad is the best e-reader-by Joel Mathis
http://www.macworld.com/article/2032930/why-and-when-the-ipad-is-the-best-e-reader.html

Kindle Technology Helps Readers-by Rob
http://childrenstherapy.org/technology-helps-struggling-readers/

Can e-Readers Ease Reading for Dyslexics?-by Annie Murphy Paul
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/06/can-e-readers-ease-reading-for-dyslexics/

iPad vs Kindle Fire / Android Tablet for Kids---by TechAgeKids
http://www.techagekids.com/2013/09/ipad-vs-kindle-fire-android-tablet-for.html

Dyslexia on the digital page-by Jillian Rose Lim
Devices like e-readers and iPads may make reading easier for students with dyslexia
http://scienceline.org/2013/11/dyslexia-on-the-digital-page/

E-Readers Are More Effective than Paper for Some with Dyslexia (Research article)
by Matthew H. Schneps, Jenny M. Thomson, Chen Chen, Gerhard Sonnert & Marc Pomplun
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0075634

Apps for Struggling Readers

9 Great Learn-to-Read Apps for Kids---by Common Sense Media (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch; Kindle Fire apps)
http://www.ivillage.com/best-learn-read-apps-kids/6-a-379970

8 Apps for Struggling Adolescent Readers---by Hope Mulholland (Apple and Android apps)
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/8-apps-for-struggling-adolescent-readers/

Sources:

Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program
http://www.dc.gov/DCPS/Beyond+the+Classroom/Educational+Technology+&+Library+Services/Kindle+Project

The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown, Demand Media
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/advantages-ipads-special-education-students-4061.html

10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs
http://techcrunch.com/2010/05/19/10-things-the-ipad-is-good-for-and-5-it-isnt/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: iPad or Kindle: will our wallets decide?-by Paul Miller
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-or-kindle-will-our-wallets-decide/ and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com