Supporting Struggling and Reluctant Readers

We’ve been working with – and creating books for – struggling and reluctant readers of all ages for over 20 years.

We’ve pulled together the following information and tips to help you.

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What’s the difference between a struggling reader and a reluctant reader?

Where can I go for help?

How should I approach reading?

How do I find the right books?

Further help with supporting struggling and reluctant readers

What’s the difference between a struggling reader and a reluctant reader?

A reluctant reader is someone who can read, but doesn’t – they prefer doing other things to picking up a book.

This may be because they’ve been ‘switched off’ by the books that were used to teach them to read. Indeed, books used in early reading schemes can be pretty boring – the texts are simple (often patronising) and the illustrations are frequently pedestrian – and while they usually do get kids reading in the technical sense, an unintended consequence can be that children learn that reading is something you do at school, and it’s boring…

Our early reading schemes are designed to prevent this from happening. They ensure that children learn reading is a rewarding experience from the very first books they encounter!

Meanwhile, a struggling reader is someone who can’t read: their literacy skills aren’t developed enough. Reasons range from schooling issues (they do happen – to the extent that children don’t ‘get’ reading, and that makes it hard) to more fundamental problems, such as visual impairment or dyslexia.

There is, however, a very close relationship between being a reluctant reader and a struggling reader, as people often don’t want to read because they can’t, and they can’t because they won’t.

It’s a vicious circle.

Where can I go for help?

Firstly, we’d like to remind everyone that children develop at different speeds; as they do in all things...

So it’s not a reason to worry if your child is a bit behind.

However, if a child’s reading age is well below the average, it begins to affect them, and steps should be taken.

If you think something is wrong, in the first instance speak to your child’s teacher, who should be monitoring progress, should have identified those who are struggling, and should be able to help.

Other helpful organisations:

Us! We’re literacy/reading engagement specialists and we’re always happy to help, whether that’s giving advice or suggesting books – just get in touch.

BookTrust

Coram Beanstalk

The Reading Agency