Read Between the Lines

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"I don't like to read."

"I hate reading..."

"Books are boring."

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What can you do when you hear these words? Get curious and read between the lines. I'll tell you how, but first I want to share a picture of the kid who made those statements.

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This is a picture of my 8 year old son, Lucas, who claims he doesn't like to read. Yep, this kid who I often find with his nose in a book about aliens, zombies, robots, or anything silly was "caught" reading. And this is a fairly common occurrence!

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The same kid who tells me "I don't like reading" recently spent $24 of his own piggy-bank money on books at the school book fair, and said he wanted to "savor" the books he bought. (Great vocabulary choice, by the way)! So how can this be the same kid who tells me he "hates" reading and "books are boring"?! Let's dive in a little deeper...

What is a child communicating when they say they don't like to read? As parents and caregivers it's our job to "read between the lines" when talking with our kids in order to gain understanding and better meet their needs. They cannot always explain why they feel the way they feel, or fully understand it. But they definitely know when something isn't fun. (And if they're anything like my kids, they'll let you know when they don't want to do something!)

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If you have a "reluctant" reader in your life, or "picky reader" as I prefer to call them, I'm here to give you some guidance on what your kids might be communicating by a simple "I don't like to read" comment. When you identify what is really being said, you can address the core issue, and work towards developing a love of reading which will serve them exponentially as they continue to learn and grow.

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Ask yourself these THREE QUESTIONS to help you read between the lines:

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• What emotion is this child experiencing when they read?

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• Do their words/beliefs about reading match their actions and actual reading behaviors?

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• Has anything changed?

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One way to help "read between the lines" is by asking yourself this first question: What emotion is this child experiencing when they read?

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Is it frustration? Perhaps a child who is making statements that express they don't like reading, is actually struggling with reading mechanics, skills or proficiency. Is it embarrassment? Perhaps they are comparing themselves to a classmate or sibling? Or perhaps they are truly bored, because the subject matter doesn't interest them.

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Once you identify the emotions behind their words, you can start to address the real issues. For example, a child might need to read books that are "too easy" in order to build confidence, in addition to reading books "at their level." Or a child who doesn't enjoy reading fiction, might be more interested in a non-fiction book, like a book about trains or outer space. Or perhaps this particular child wants to move, keep their hands busy, or they learn by doing, and an interactive flap book or book with textures or other innovative features might hold their interest longer.

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There are many variables that could influence the enjoyment of books, so the first way to read between the lines is to pay attention to what the child is communicating through the emotions they are exhibiting. (TIP: Positive emotions while reading is the goal)!

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Secondly, listen to the child's words and beliefs towards reading, and compare that to their actual reading behaviors. Do they say "I don't like reading" or "reading is boring," but on occasion you have caught them picking up a book to flip through the pages? As you watch a child's behavior around reading and compare that to their beliefs towards reading, ask yourself: Do their words match their actions? Do books sometimes spark their curiosity? Perhaps you have a reader right in front of you, but they don't even realize it themselves... yet! Be the person that helps them change their negative beliefs about their relationship to reading. The earlier the better.

I've been working with my son for a while on his own beliefs around reading. He tells me he doesn't like to read, but I catch him reading (often). He seems to think that if he doesn't like reading something that is assigned in school, or he doesn't choose to read as often as his big sister, or it doesn't seem to come as easily as it does to others, then it must be true he simply doesn't like reading. So when I catch him reading ANY book, or when he asks for a few more minutes before lights out at bedtime, or when he opts to READ over play video games... (WOW!)... then I remind him that he DOES in fact like to read... it's just that it has to be the RIGHT book.

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Lastly, when reading between the lines, consider if the statements being made about disliking reading is new for this child. Ask yourself... Has this always been the case? Did this child enjoy reading when they were younger? When did this change? According to the Read Aloud handbook by Jim Trelease, nearly 100% of Kindergarteners are interested in reading a book outside of school, but that number drops to just 54% by the fourth grade. So what changed? One factor is because parents stopped reading to their kids.

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It makes sense though! Naturally, once kids are reading independently, we tend to stop offering to read to (or with) our kids. But there are many benefits to reading together, besides practicing the skill of reading. Keeping the habit of read aloud time, even as your kids learn to read, can help tremendously with developing a love of reading and keeping reading time a positive experience.

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Try offering "read aloud" time, even to older kiddos. Partner reading is another great alternative. Sometimes it's the TASK of reading that is tiring or taxing, prompting a child to exclaim that they "don't like reading." It could simply be because they are tired, and they might still love to sit together and listen to YOU read a book, and they'll get the positive emotional effects from reading, without the work of it.

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Bottom line: Keep reading! Keep it fun, positive, and never forced. Reading can be a fun and enjoyable experience, even for those "picky" readers that claim otherwise. Do you know a kid who says they don't like to read? For more tips and strategies to help make reading the activity of choice, join my VIP book community on Facebook here: Jen's Little Reading Corner​

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...AND BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL!

Are you in need of a bit more guidance to help you read between the lines? I'd love to help! Book a free discovery call with ME, your personal PaperPie brand partner, to explore your specific needs. In your quick and free assessment, I'll work with you 1-on-1 as your book guide, to determine which type of books would be the best fit for the kids in your life based on their age/grade, interests, reading level and general feelings toward reading. Simply reply to this email, or hit the "Let's Chat!" button below.

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My goal is to help you find the books that your child will love to read, whether they're a "picky" reader or avid reader. With more information, you can fill your home with the books kids will WANT to pick up and read.

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I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Reading!

-Jen

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Jennifer de Guzman, Literacy Advocate

PaperPie Brand Partner and Advanced Leader, PaperPie Learning Educational Services Representative, www.jenslittlebookstore.com​

PaperPie, formerly called Usborne Books & More, offers engaging and educational books and learning products for kids of all ages, newborn through teens. Browse the full selection anytime here: www.jenslittlebookstore.com

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Read my previous newsletter "The ABC's of Reading" for a few helpful and EASY tips to develop and nurture a love of reading.

To schedule a personal shopping appointment or free discovery call, or to learn more about becoming a brand partner with PaperPie, send an email to: jen@jenslittlebookstore.com or text: 971-220-1678