From Reluctant Reader to Bookworm: 7 Ways to Encourage Reading in Primary School
There are few things more rewarding for a parent than seeing their child curled up, lost in the magical world of a book. But for many families, the reality is a daily struggle. The words “it’s time to read” can trigger sighs, complaints, and a battle of wills that leaves both you and your child feeling frustrated.
If you’re dealing with a reluctant reader, please know this: you are not alone, and it is not a reflection on your child or your parenting.
In a world filled with the instant gratification of screens and busy schedules, the quiet act of reading can seem like a chore. The secret to transforming a reluctant reader into a bookworm isn’t about force or discipline; it’s about connection, creativity, and rediscovering the joy of stories. Here are seven practical ways to help your primary schooler foster a genuine love for reading.
1. Create a Reading-Rich Environment
Children are influenced by their surroundings. If books are treated as special and accessible, they are more likely to be picked up.
Make a Cozy “Reading Nook”: You don’t need a library. A comfy beanbag, a soft blanket, and a small bookshelf in a quiet corner of their room can create an inviting space that is just for reading.
Books Everywhere: Leave interesting books, comics, and magazines not just on their shelf, but on the coffee table, in the car, or by the breakfast table. This casual access makes reading a normal, everyday part of life, not just a scheduled task.
Visit Dubai’s Libraries: Make a trip to a local library, like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library or any of the Dubai Public Library branches, a fun weekend outing. Let them get their own library card and experience the wonder of being surrounded by thousands of stories.
2. Let Them Choose (Even if it's a Comic Book!)
This is the golden rule. As parents, we want our children to read high-quality literature, but for a reluctant reader, the goal is simply to get them reading anything.
Relinquish Control: Let your child have complete freedom over what they read. If they want to read the same goofy comic book ten times, that’s a win! If they choose a book based on a video game they love, fantastic. Any reading is good reading because it builds fluency and positive associations.
Explore Different Formats: Don’t forget about non-fiction, joke books, magazines (like the National Geographic Kids edition), audiobooks, and graphic novels. The goal is to find the format that ignites their interest.
3. Make it a Social, Shared Experience
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Connecting stories to family time can transform it from a chore into a cherished ritual.
The 20-Minute Read-Aloud: This is the most powerful tool in your arsenal. Even after your child can read independently, continue reading aloud to them. Choose exciting chapter books that are slightly above their own reading level. Use funny voices, build suspense, and always stop at a cliffhanger.
“Popcorn” Reading: Take turns reading pages or paragraphs of a book aloud to each other. This keeps them engaged and helps them with tricky words without pressure.
4. Connect Books to Real-World Adventures
Bring stories to life by connecting them to your child’s world right here in Dubai.
Read a Book, Then Do the Thing: Read a book about marine life, then visit the Dubai Aquarium. Read a story about desert animals, then visit the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. This shows them that books are a gateway to real-world knowledge and adventure.
Story-Based Cooking: Find a recipe in a book (like the rock cakes from Harry Potter) and make it together.
5. Leverage Technology Wisely
Screens don’t always have to be the enemy of reading.
E-Readers and Library Apps: For some children, the novelty of reading on a tablet or Kindle can be a huge motivator. Use apps like Libby or OverDrive to borrow e-books from your local library for free.
Audiobooks are Not Cheating: Listening to an audiobook while in the car or before bed is a fantastic way to experience a story. It develops vocabulary, comprehension skills, and an appreciation for narrative. Often, listening to a captivating story is the spark that encourages a child to pick up the physical book.
6. Be a Reading Role Model
Children are mimics. If they see you scrolling on your phone, they’ll want to scroll. If they see you lost in a good book, they’ll learn that reading is a valuable and enjoyable adult activity.
“Family Reading Time”: Set aside 15-20 minutes a few times a week where everyone in the family puts their screens away and just reads their own book in the same room. No tests, no questions—just quiet, shared enjoyment.
7. Address the Root Cause: Is it a Struggle or a Choice?
This is the most critical point. Sometimes, a child is reluctant to read not because they dislike stories, but because the act of reading itself is genuinely difficult and frustrating. If they struggle to decode words or if their reading is slow and halting, the experience is simply not enjoyable.
This is often due to a small gap in foundational skills like phonics or reading fluency. Before you can foster a love of reading, you must first build their confidence in the mechanics of it. If you suspect this might be the case, it’s the perfect time to consider personalized support. A primary English tutor in Dubai can quickly identify and address these specific challenges in a supportive, one-on-one environment. Sometimes, a few targeted sessions are all it takes to make the act of reading click, opening the door for genuine enjoyment to follow.
If you’ve tried everything and the reading battles continue, it might be time to ensure your child has the foundational skills they need to succeed. The right support from an expert primary school tutor can transform reading from a source of stress into a source of pride.
Conclusion: Patience and Joy
The journey from reluctant reader to bookworm is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is to remove the pressure, celebrate every small step, and focus on making reading a source of connection and joy, not conflict. By creating a positive and supportive environment, you are giving your child a gift that will enrich their entire life.
If you’re ready to provide your child with the confidence they need to become a happy and successful reader, learn more about our personalized primary tutoring programs.