Heads' Tips - reluctant readers

In addition to our main reading lists, here are some ideas for parents to help spur on reluctant readers or dyslexic children for whom reading is so important, but not always easy. Reluctant readers are put off by the size of the font, the spacing of the type on the page and the thickness of the book. All that before you even approach the story – which must have immediate impact, no difficult names and be straight forward and easy to understand. Stories by Jacqueline Wilson, Roald Dahl and Dick King Smith may fulfil these criteria for various age groups.

In addition, any compilation of children’s short stories are more enjoyable for those children (especially those with short- term memory challenges) as they can read and enjoy in one sitting; then gradually extend the length of story as they gain more confidence. Try the following:
From Hearabout Hill, Michael Morpurgo
Tales from Earthsea, Ursula Le Guin
Short & Scary, Louise Cooper
Short! A book of very short stories, Kevin Crossley- Holland
Best of Friends, authors including Theresa Breslin & Robert Westall

For reluctant early teens, try books which are humorous, not too long and well laid out: I was a Teenage Worrier, Ros Asquith
Angels Unlimited (series), Annie Dalton

Diaries are another good source of short sharp reading material. Try the factual approach such as the History Diaries series which features the daily thoughts and experiences of a teenager writing about his or her particular time and occupation or career, for example:
The Diary of a Young Elizabethan Actor
The Diary of a Young Nurse in World War 11
The Diary of a 1960s Teenager
and many more…
Or the trilogy of fictional diaries of a mother and teenage daughter by Yvonne Coppard: Not dressed like that you don’t.
Everyone else does, why can’t I?
Great, you’ve just ruined the rest of my life!

Finally, books on CD are an excellent idea. Dyslexic children are frequently frustrated by the material they can manage to read, and listening to audio books will enable them to ‘read’ books at the level they wish they were at. Audio- books also help ensure that their vocabulary and comprehension are developed in a less stressful manner. Most public libraries lend books on CD as well as in printed form so do take a look.

Above all, ensure that you and your daughter enjoy your summer reading!

With Thanks to the Heads & staff at the following schools:
St George’s School, Ascot and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls