Is your child a reluctant reader? Here are a few possible reasons and some possible solutions.

• Does your child have a difficult time decoding sounds? Matching letters with sounds? If so, spend extra time daily, even just 15 minutes, reading aloud to your child.  Point to the print as you read it aloud so your child can follow along.  Children need to hear the letter and sound association over and over.
• Does your child dislike having to sit still to do the actual reading? No problem! Audio books are a great fit for a variety of reading needs, including this one. You can download a story and have your child listen to it while he or she is doing chores or out for a walk.  To take this a big step further, listen to a book on CD in the car with your child.  Not only will your child be developing literacy skills, but the two of you will engage in the story together.  Discuss the elements of a story (plot, setting, characters) with your child. Ask questions about the story:  Why did the main character do that? What caused him to make that decision? Do you agree with what he did? Posing questions to your child about the story strengthens higher-level thinking skills and encourages them to listen carefully to the story for further reflection.
• Is your child a strong reader but seems disinterested in reading for pleasure? This requires some trial-and-error, but  you and your child are bound to find something he or she will enjoy.  First, try different genres you think your child would enjoy.  Try matching your child’s real life interests with similar topics in literature.  Next, think about your child’s personality type.  Is he or she outgoing, athletic, shy, optimistic, or a deep thinker? Your child’s personality is  unique, but excellent authors can delve deeply into the many aspects of the human experience, so, again, you’re certain to find a particular author whose work your child will enjoy.

(Hat tip: Mary Elizabeth)