Unlocking reading potential: 6 effective interventions for reluctant readers

My top tried and tested tips to help reluctant readers build confidence and find joy in reading.

Mhairi, BSc Psychology and PGDE Primary Education

Mhairi has extensive experience as a primary school teacher in the UK. Her insights are shaped by varied experiences across the educational system, in both additional support and mainstream school settings

Introduction

At Birchwood Tutors, we firmly believe that reading is a skill that benefits us far beyond our school careers. Throughout my teaching career, I’ve seen firsthand how students who read for pleasure excel academically - a fact that is backed by research. The National Literacy Trust found that children who enjoy reading and who read every day consistently score higher on standardised tests!

In every cohort, there are “reluctant readers” who shy away from reading. This is often a source of concern for teachers and parents, as we understand how important this skill is! But there is no need to panic.

As a teacher who has supported many reluctant readers over the years, I know that early intervention is key and using the right strategies can make a difference. The following six tips are ones that I have consistently used successfully in my classroom and at home with my own children to encourage reading and achieve academic success!

1. Understanding the root cause

Perhaps one of the most important steps in getting reluctant readers reading is understanding why they don’t want to in the first place! Sometimes it’s as simple as not having found the right materials yet and not having their interest sparked. However, sometimes it’s a little more complicated, like undiagnosed dyslexia or visual strain.

The only way to find out is to talk to your reluctant reader about why they don’t want to read. It’s important to approach these discussions with empathy and understanding, and accept that it could take a while for them to open up about why they are avoiding reading.

A skilled reading tutor can be especially helpful at this stage. Our tutors listen carefully and can ask the right questions to help children feel safe and understood. In taking the time to build trust and get to know your child, our tutors can try to get to the root cause of reading reluctance and then create a personalised plan to get them back on track!

2. Picking the right material

It’s easy to forget that as adults, reading looks very different throughout the day because we read for a variety of different reasons, not just to sit down with a book. News articles, emails, text messages, menus, street signs, train timetables, adverts on bus stops - the list goes on!

Considering this, some younger readers may find it helpful to explore a wide range of materials to help them find something that catches their interest. For my most reluctant readers, I have had success starting them off with audiobooks or game apps that require learners to read some instructions. At home, another great opportunity to encourage reading is using subtitles on the TV while children are watching.

It is also beneficial to explore different genres of books; non-fiction, comic books, graphic novels, and choose-your-own-adventure are all examples that are a little different from the standard fiction chapter books.

Once your reluctant reader is willing to pick up a book, starting with something low-pressure but high-interest is key. Book series like Dogman, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Dork Diaries are perfect for KS2 readers as they have a good text-to-image ratio for new readers. For KS3 readers, I love this list from the Book Trust.

3. Make reading a positive experience

In many schools, there is an expectation that children must read a set number of pages or chapters of their book per week for homework. While this is an easy way to ensure children do read, it does make reading a bit of a chore for them. 

Where possible, take the pressure off your reluctant reader and praise their effort to read or the amount of time they spend reading, not the achievement of how many pages or books they complete! 

Building a special, cosy reading time into your daily routine is something I’ve found works well with my own children to encourage reading. Just before bedtime, we turn screens off, they get into their pyjamas and find a comfy spot. They pick something they would like to read and decide whether we will read together or if they will read on their own.

4. Set realistic goals 

Encouraging reluctant readers with realistic goals is crucial. This is something as simple as just reading for ten minutes per day! You can also use reading challenges like the 100 books to read before you’re 14 from the Book Trust, or gamify reading with a fun app like Page Pots as an incentive.

5. Model reading for your child

You can model great reading behaviours by reading around the house and discussing your reading with your child. Talk to them about the characters or setting, or even ask them to help you predict what might happen.

Building in practical reading opportunities with your child is also a simple way to encourage them. Let them read out your shopping list to you while you’re doing the weekly shop, or read out a recipe to you while you make dinner.

6. Get reading support from a private tutor

A private tutor can help build your learner’s confidence and self-esteem in their reading, and can support their reading comprehension skills, which are crucial in examinations. Many of my learners have found private tuition sessions to be a safe space to explore reading materials and reading comprehension without feeling any judgment or pressure to have the “right answers”.

My recommendation

As a parent, your attitude toward your child’s ability to enjoy reading can make all the difference. It’s important to remember that every reader’s journey is different, and that with the right encouragement and support, even the most reluctant reader can become a book lover! Contact us at Birchwood Tutors to learn more about how we can support your child’s reading journey.