Like any important life skill (learning to walk, learning to talk, toilet training, learning to ride a bicycle, etc.), learning to read is complicated, and children become readers in their own time.  Some children may be reading independently by first grade, while others by the end of second or third grade.  Still, others don’t show an interest in reading or simply become frustrated at our attempts to draw them in.  Young readers, especially those who may seem reluctant, need support, kindness, and a sense of calm.

Ever wonder how to nurture your young reader?  It’s as natural as how you helped her learn to talk and walk.  Here are some tried and true ideas.  Note that many of these ideas (strategies/tools) are the same ones we would use for eager readers.  The difference is that more patience may be required with children who are less willing to jump right into reading.  Reluctant readers benefit from more time in nurturing exchanges as they slowly increase the amount of time spent reading with you.