A Clever Way to Motivate Reluctant Readers

by Dana Hinders on July 23, 2012

Post image for A Clever Way to Motivate Reluctant Readers

One way to encourage your kids to love reading is to make sure they have a library of their own to enjoy. My son is just starting to get into books that take more than one sitting to read, which means he’s become interested in usual bookmarks. This squashed flat bookmark by Dead Mark, while expensive for a bookmark, is something I know he’d love.

It’s been a tradition in our house to give at least one book for every occasion, so I will probably give him the bookmark slipped inside a book I know he will like. It seems like the type of bookmark that would fit well with a book of jokes or fun trivia. (A friend recently sent my son a copy of Stink-O-Pedia: Super Stink-Y Stuff From A to Zzzzz by Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds. He adores this book and is thrilled to share odd bits of information with us every morning. If you’re ever looking for a fun gift for a boy in the 7 to 10 year old range, this is a great choice!)

If your child isn’t into anything gross or unusual, Olive Kids has a line of personalized kids bookmarks that are adorable. They have several princess, mermaid, and tea party bookmarks for little girls.

If your kids are giving books to a friend, try having them decorate a plain bookmark to slip inside the book as an extra surprise. My son likes to do this for birthday party gifts.

Are your kids motivated to read by a well stocked library and fun novelty bookmarks? If not, what tricks do you use to get your kids to read?

Photo credit: Amazon

  • Julie C.

    My motivation tactic is a little mean. I say we’re going to the library and they need to pick at least two books. If they grumble, I say that if they don’t pick two, I will choose for them. That gets them roaming the stacks quickly. LOL!

    Plus I have steered them towards the librarian and had them tell her what kind of stories they like, so someone other than “Mom” can guide them to selections they will enjoy. 

Previous post:

Next post: