Types of Reluctant Readers

At High Interest Publishing, we deal with reluctant readers beginning in the middle grades and going through high school. It is important to recognize that there are many different kinds of reluctant readers, just as their are many different kinds of children. However, it is important to be aware of the difference between struggling and bored (aliterate) readers to begin to help these children.

Let's begin with the struggling reader. This type of reader is usually reading at a level that is two or more grades below the rest of his class. (Standardized testing or the WISC-R can provide this data, or your child's teacher may already have it on file.) As a result of this reading lag, the usual school language arts program becomes very frustrating: the books are too hard to read; reading aloud goes too quickly for the child to follow; the questions asked are too difficult. The struggling reader needs interesting books written at a comfortable reading level. Reading and re-reading these books will gradually improve a child's reading performance.

The bored reader, however, may well be tested in the normal range for his grade. However, the bored reader doesn't have much interest in reading or books, and has little patience for many of the novels and other reading required in school. If he fails to keep up his personal reading, or learns to “cope” rather than to read challenging text, then his reading ability will gradually decline over time. By grade 8 or 9, many bored readers have become struggling readers – combining skill problems with their original attitude problem.

HIP novels are designed to bridge the gap between what kids can and want to read and the materials they are required to read for school.

There are other types of reluctant readers for whom special programs are required. If your child has a number of disabilities, or vision and hearing problems, or attention-span issues, then there is little support we can offer on a website. Work closely with your child's school and consulting doctors to come up with the best program you can.