| How to Motivate the Reluctant Reader. Recreational reading is becoming a thing of the past for far too many able learners . TV, organized children's sports, clubs( all fulfilling needs), and video games obsessions are competing for time with youngsters in this " fastlane " world. Parents CAN do something about the reading lag.
These strategies may help:
* Give magazine subscriptions for birthdays, holidays or as rewards. Send us a self-addressed stamped envelope and we'll send a list of the myriad of children's magazines currently on the market. You're sure to find one to suit your child.
* Let him/her learn by example - YOURS. Be sure a daily newspaper is delivered to your door and be seen reading it.
* Make time for a special morning ritual; check out the sports' scores with your son or daughter (not all, but MANY reluctant reader are boys).
* Have a variety of reading materials around your house and be obvious and vocal about your joy in reading them (Do YOU read the cereal boxes?). Let your child know that right after dinner, you relish getting into that new magazine that just came or checking out a new Internet site you just learned about.
* Make a "big deal" out of your child getting a FIRST personal library Card. Celebrate in your own, special family way!
* Make friends with a knowledgeable children's librarian. If you can't find one near, then migrate to one. Be sure the librarian gets to know your child; he/she will become a rich source of motivation as your youngster is helped to choose "just the right book."
* Make a game of "collecting" and reading ALL of the award-winning children's books chosen annually by the Caldecott Medal and Newbury Award winning groups . Your library has the lists and, usually, the books. If some people can compile baseball cards (many cost a FORTUNE), why not the fundamental task of building a rich literary background for your child and encouraging reading in the process. Tack your scorecard to the "fridge" for all to see.
* Expose your child to classic literature. Cultural literacy dictates that all members of society are aware of certain classical stories, phrases, etc. Large book stores now carry this literature and provide it in various reading levels for children. Check this out with your child. Bullseye - Step into the Classics, Baronet Books and Puffin Classics are just a few of the publishers.
* Work crossword puzzles together at home, so your child has the working vocabulary to read good books. Dell Crossword Company has paperback books on the newsstands; some have easy level puzzles that children can do. You can even subscribe to magazines of them. Buy a word-a-day tear off calendar to increase word power and maintain interest in reading words.
* If you find an author your child particularly likes, read several books together by that author.
* Make reading a joyful habit in your home. The payoff will affect your child's entire future.
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