INSPIRING RELUCTANT READERS
As a former teacher, English tutor, and school librarian, World Book Day was always one of my favourite (and busiest) days. I absolutely loved it – the dressing up, the reading time, and giving every child a book. But I know not everyone feels the same way about reading: some children (and adults) just aren’t into it... yet!
Now, at Fresh Start in Education I am part of a team working with children and young people not currently in school, helping them to learn and achieve their goals. Every child I meet has very different needs and learning styles, so I’ve realised just how important it is, to find different ways to encourage those who aren’t naturally drawn to books, to read. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, whether they are 5 or 50 years old, read on!
Why is Reading So Important?
Yes, life without reading can be challenging, but it’s not just about getting by. Reading has so many other benefits.
How to get into reading: Here are my top tips:
Read whatever you like! It doesn’t have to be a book – even on World Book Day. Subtitles on a film, instructions on a game, texts – these all count. People who say they don’t read are often surprised by how much reading they actually do.
Focus on your interests: If you’re mad about football, find articles or books about football. Because the vocabulary is already familiar, reading about your interests makes it easier and more enjoyable.
Sometimes, books are best: Have you ever tried to research a topic online and ended up with too much information that is too complex to understand? Sometimes the right book, at the right reading level, can make all the difference.
Encourage and read together: Don’t leave someone struggling – read along with them, help with tricky words, and give them a lot of praise along the way.
Head to the library: Libraries are brilliant community spaces with so much to offer. If you haven’t been for a while pop in next time you are passing.
Reading doesn’t have to be silent: Share a book with someone, talk about the pictures or topics, and make it social. The Guinness Book of Records is perfect for this.
Try joke books, graphic novels or manga: Books with lots of illustrations, short paragraphs, and manageable chunks of text can be less intimidating and more engaging.
JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER? "Sometimes there’s a barrier and giving someone the right support is essential" Share on X
Play reading games: Word searches, Bingo, “Would You Rather”, or Monopoly – these games all involve reading and can make it feel less like hard work.
Read online: From news articles to celebrity gossip or Twitter, reading online can feel more relevant to someone’s interests.
Check if there’s a reason for not reading: Do they struggle with dyslexia or need help sounding out words? Sometimes there’s a barrier and giving someone the right support is essential.
Link books to films: If you love a certain film, see if there’s a book version. While I always think the book is better than the film, sometimes watching the film helps to understand the plot.
Visualise it: Some people need a little guidance in creating mental pictures as they read – this really helps with understanding - even if the text you are reading is a science experiment.
Audiobooks: Listening to a book has many of the same benefits as reading. It can make texts more accessible and encourages a love for stories.
And Finally…
Get Involved in World Book Day: Make the most of your World Book Day voucher (Ask in your local book retailer if you didn’t get one) and pick up a free book. There are also online activities and great author videos on the World Book Day website.
I truly believe there’s a book out there for everyone –sometimes it just takes time to find it. So don’t give up, pick up a book, and give it a go!
Useful Websites:
About the author
Sarah is a Staff Education Specialist at Fresh Start with 20 years experience in the sector. She has worked as a teacher in mainstream primary schools, served as a special needs support assistant in a secondary school, and taken on roles as a school librarian and English tutor. Passionate about inclusive education, she has also led a Dance Fit class for adults with Down syndrome.
