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

How to Motivate Teen Boys to Read

With Resources to Help Parents & Teachers
(Updated December 2014)

It's no secret that not all children like to read. However, when you add teen boys to the mix, reading can often be at the bottom of the list of "fun things to do" (or NOT on the list at all!), especially when other activities compete for their attention.

We are well into the throes of summer now that June has arrived, a particularly good time to spend a few hours reading for pleasure under a cool, shade tree in the backyard. However, how many teen boys do you know who would rather read indoors or out in the middle of the summer than do something else? Sadly, you are not alone if you do not know even one such reader. So, what is it that keeps boys from wanting to read today?

1. So Many Activities!

Most teenage boys are involved in many activities that can keep them more than a little busy (and their parents with them!) Their attention is drawn to organized sports, scouting, social activities and more. Of course, we can't forget their schoolwork, either. So, their time is indeed spoken for throughout each week and on weekends, too.

To be honest, there are some parents who over-book their children's free time, enrolling them in structured programs every night of the week AND throughout the weekend, too. There is sometimes a tendency to over-structure a teen's leisure time to prevent idleness and boredom. This can be especially true during the summer months when mothers and fathers are at work. There are many situations where parents literally "camp" their teens to the extreme, using such activities as supervision for their children during the summer vacation period---not always a good idea! In addition, these arrangements can offer very little time to read for pleasure!

2. Reading = Homework (NOT Fun!)

Boys often connect reading with assignments and homework. It is difficult for some boys, especially those who prefer physical activity and movement, to even think about sitting and reading for an extended period or as something to be enjoyed. Many teen boys only read in school. When the school day ends, so does their reading, and the after-school pastime of choice is very often the TV or a favorite video game.

3. Unworthy Selections

Many book titles for teens explore topics more interesting to girls than to boys. Teen romances are prevalent, but these are the last thing that would be interesting to boys. Boys need books about characters and topics that truly appeal to them.

4. "Readers Are Dorks & Nerds!"

It's really a shame, but in our culture, boys very often perceive reading as "nerdy" or something only a "brain-iac" would do. Reading is not usually seen as a "macho" or manly way to spend one's leisure time, particularly if you are a teenage boy.

5. Some Are Actually Struggling Readers

This will not be good news to many parents, but it is a fact that many children cannot read or struggle significantly to read. It is a sad statistic that 1 in 5 school-aged children (20% of those from ages 5 to 18) in the U.S. is challenged with a language-based reading difference. Too many of these children are boys--even teen boys who struggle to focus, track, comprehend and retain what is read.

Solutions to MOTIVATE Your Teen Boy

So what is a parent to do to encourage a teen son to read, particularly during the summer months to help prevent the loss of learning and developed reading skills?

1. Plan for Good Reading Time

As a parent or grandparent, refrain from over-structuring your teen's schedule. Even though your teen son or grandson may want to participate in back-to-back activities each week, arrange or allow for some genuine "down" time where he can relax, recharge and re-create himself in some quiet or in a peaceful corner. These are times that will be more conducive for him to read for pleasure or by choice.

2. Reading CAN Be FUN!

A trip to the local lending library with your teen son is a great activity, whether it is over the summer or during the school year. However, during the time offered by the summer break, he might actually enjoy leisurely searching and discovering books AND magazines that interest him. Yes, magazines serve up smaller "bites" of reading that can be more approachable and more readily "digested" by a teen boy. Consider publications such as Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated for Kids, ESPN, Teen Ink or others that might appeal to your son's interests. If you have a truly reluctant reader, you might suggest an age-appropriate graphic novel or even a comic book of interest to encourage him to read.

3. Teen Boys' Favorite Topics & Selections

Speaking of interests, it is important to keep in mind that the genres or types of books that parents like may not appeal to their teen sons. In fact, many parents and even some teachers often think that since they themselves enjoy fictional or novels, their teen children and students automatically like fiction. This is actually not the case. As a matter of fact, there are many teen boys who much prefer non-fictional or informational reading than fiction.

So, if you have a reluctant teen reader, it might be a very good idea to help introduce him to non-fiction in an area of his interest. Many teen boys enjoy reading about nanotechnology, computer software being developed, programming or coding, and these are just topics in the realm of technology. If you have an young athlete, help him locate biographies about sports figures such as Yogi Berra (Did you know this baseball hero was an active participate in the D-Day operations of 1944?), Stan Musial, Lynn Swann, Jesse Owens or another interesting athlete in a favorite sport.

4. A Comfortable, Favorite Place to Read

Although traditionally teen boys may think that reading is "dorky" of less than fun, provide your son with a quiet and comfortable are of your home when he might retreat, rest and read in peace---away from the TV or the seemingly ever-present video games. He will see this spot as a SAFE area where no one can joke, jest or make fun of the reading he would like to do. Provide comfortable seating that might also include a desk and cushioned chair. Appropriate lighting will also be important. This might be provided by a window with window coverings that are adjustable for heat and light or lamps with 3-way bulbs.

5. Provide Real Help for What Could Be a Struggling Reader

Always keep in mind that a reluctant or resistant reader may be a struggling reader. How will you know for certain? By the time a boy is in his teen years and not interested in reading at all, it is important to consider professional evaluation. Yes, it is very possible that his school has not noticed nor addressed a serious reading challenge that he has faced, and he may not be able to articulate what his reading experience is really like. The summer is an excellent time for such an evaluation.

First, you might consider scheduling a visit for your child to to see his pediatrician to rule out any physical issues causing an unknown reading challenge. Then, the next medical professional to visit should be a developmental optometrist (not a regular ophthalmologist, optometrist or optician). This particular specialist can evaluate for vision-related and many language-based learning differences (i.e. dyslexia, convergence insufficiency, etc.) Not all schools can (in fact most schools cannot) evaluate for some of these learning issues. Ask your child's pediatrician for such a referral or visit the website of the College of Optometrists and Vision Development at http://www.covd.org/ to locate such a medical professional in your area.

There may be a very good reason why your teen son is a reluctant reader. Find out over this summer vacation time, and he will be much better prepared for the coming school year!

Reading Resources for Teen Boys

GUYS READ
A web-based literacy program for boys founded by author and First National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature Jon Scieszka. Our mission is to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers.
http://guysread.com/

BoysRead.org
Our mission is to transform boys into lifelong readers. We are an organization of parents, educators, librarians, mentors, authors, and booksellers.
http://boysread.org/

7 Great Books for Reluctant Readers in Middle School---by Elizabeth Babbin & Understood.org
Getting middle-schoolers to read can be difficult unless you find titles they can relate to as they struggle to sort out who they really are. These books have the power to engage reluctant readers and keep them interested.
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/encouraging-reading-writing/great-books-for-reluctant-readers-in-middle-school?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg#slide-1

Top 12 Young Adult Books for Reluctant Readers---by Jessica Piper (from TeachHUB.com)
http://www.teachhub.com/top-12-young-adult-books-reluctant-readers

TEEN FICTION STORIES---from wattpad.com
Book lists of all types of fiction books for teens (for both boys and girls)
http://www.wattpad.com/stories/teen-fiction

College of Optometrists and Vision Development
Locate a developmental optometrist in your area with the "Locate a Doctor" tool on this website. This medical professional can test, evaluate, diagnose and provide various treatment options for vision-related and some language-based reading challenges.
http://www.covd.org/

Sources:

Motivating Teenage Boys to Read---by Kristen Bevilacqua
http://gettingboystoread.com/content/motivating-teenage-boys-read/

Teenagers and Reading---from RIF (Reading Is Fundamental)
http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/teenagers-and-reading.htm

For more information on customizable reading tools for better focus & improved attention, please visit:
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

BEST Tips to Promote Literacy for Struggling & Reluctant Readers

In several of our most recent articles, we have been discussing some aspects of “summer learning loss” or “the summer slide.” As many of you already know, these terms often refer to the waning of reading skills and a decrease in learning progress for children and teens during the summer vacation months.

This loss of skills and learning progress can be experienced by even the most academic of students. However, when this occurs in challenged or reluctant readers and learners, the results can have a very negative impact on student learning success throughout the coming school year. What strategies can help promote literacy and encourage improvement of reading and learning skills NOW during the summer---or anytime? We have some important tips this week to assist parents and teachers with this issue.

6 Tips for Struggling & Reluctant Readers

1. Set aside a comfortable place in the home or classroom where your challenged reader(s) can return again and again to read at will. This should be a quiet space with soothing colors, soft cushions and non-florescent lighting, especially for readers with sensory needs. Involve the reader(s) in choosing the features, colors and attributes of this space.

2. Place books within easy reach of the readers. Fill spaces with colorful baskets or bright, paper-covered boxes containing a wide variety of books. Set these filled containers on the floor or on short tables throughout the home or classroom.

3. Allow for structured time when reading for pleasure can be done. When chores are finished or after some physical activity, reading a favorite book can be a very welcome and soothing option.

4. Allow your child to “catch you reading”---often! This "visual" example can be PRICELESS, especially when it is frequently witnessed.

5. New vocabulary words or those that are challenging for a reader should actually be “celebrated” rather than associated with extra work or any penalties. This can be accomplished by using the words as often as possible in meaningful sentences on a given day, by posting and decorating a placard for each “challenge” word or by creating “fun” games with a group of new vocabulary words (Vocabulary Bingo, etc.)

6. For additional strategies to help challenged or reluctant readers and learners, please visit: http://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies

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: Brennan Innovators, LLC
www.FocusandRead.com/products

The Struggles of a Reluctant Reader

Special article written by guest blog writer, Robert A. Brennan, Jr., M.D.

My first memories of reading involve Sister Mary Anthony. She became upset because I could not read the word “rag.” Throughout grade school I did not understand the need for phonics. I memorized the appearance and pronunciation of words. Later, I memorized their spelling. My older sister, Ann, tried to help me with my reading. She instructed me to read phrases and not words. She also said not to point with my fingers while reading.

During high school, I read rather slowly without much purpose. I just dove in and plodded along. I slowly understood the meaning of what I read. A great deal of the time, I read and reread until I comprehended the meaning of the text.

In early college, I discovered the SQ3R Method. This grew out of an elaborate program (1946, E. S. Robinson) at the Ohio State University designed to analyze and treat academic problems:

1. The “S” involves surveying the heading of what one is about to read.

2. The “Q” step involves formulating questions about the material. If there are questions at the end of a chapter, this step involves reading them before one starts reading the chapter.

3. The first “R” involves reading to remember. One should notice italicized words or phrases. One should read everything: tables, graphs, and illustrations.

4. The next “R” involves reciting the synopsis of what one has read. One should pay attention to principal ideas and main headings. One should correct his mistakes and keep his attention to task.

5. The final “R” involves review. One should do this immediately after the first read and one or two reviews in between before the information is needed. These steps were enough for awhile.

However, I felt that I needed increased speed for the reading part of the SQ3R Method. In addition to my courses, I took a night course from the DeCoursey Reading Institute. This involved flashing words and phrases on a screen with a tachy projector or tachistoscope, an apparatus for use in exposing visual stimuli, as pictures, letters, or words, for an extremely brief period, used chiefly to assess visual perception or to increase reading speed. This did not seem to help. However, with my other courses looming, perhaps I did not devote enough time to increasing my reading speed.

Later, I purchased the Evelyn Wood Course in Speed Reading (1988, American Learning Corporation). This was a home-study course. Again, this course did not seem to increase my reading speed.

I purchased another course form the Nightingale-Conant Corporation. This was Mega Speed Reading (1996, Howard Stephen Berg and Kevin Trudeau). The main fact I learned from this course was to use one’s hand under the text to increase speed. One reads phrases and sentences but not words.

The next method that I tried was the Reading Focus Card (2009, Brennan Innovators, LLC). This is a textured card that blocks out and isolates text. It uses different filters to enhance reading comprehension and block out distractions. The RFC increased my comprehension and my memory. Although it did not increase my speed, I found the RFC to be very helpful in keeping my place in the text and when reading from a computer screen. In the morning, I often eat my cereal with one hand and use the other hand with the RFC to read my daily paper.

If I really need to review and remember the information, I write out 3” X 5” cards with the information and review these cards often.

Currently, I use a combination of all of the above methods. However, my search continues.

Dr. Robert A. Brennan, Jr. is a successful OB-Gyn physician with more than 30 years experience. He is currently practicing in the Greater St. Louis Area.

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

Photo courtesy of: http://classroomclipart.com/clipart-view/Clipart/Medical/medical_20_jpg.htm