How to Help Challenged Readers Discover Books
- 1). Ask the challenged reader what her interests are. If you can find out what types of hobbies she likes, what types of movies she watches and any other things that stimulate her, you can look for books that you know will spark her interest. For instance, if the challenged reader really likes space fantasy movies, you can help the reader discover space fantasy books. For a student who enjoys gardening, a book about gardens may be able to ease her into the reading process.
- 2). Suggest some book options to the reader based on his interests. Compile a variety of books and have him sort through them to see which ones interest him the most. The challenged reader may make a decision about which book to pick up based on the length of the book, whether the book contains pictures or how large the print is. Allow the reader to make a decision that he is comfortable with.
- 3). Read the first page of the new book with the challenged reader. See if the reader is able to get through the first page. Have the reader write down any words that she does not understand. Since you are dealing with a challenged reader, do not expect perfection. However, if it seems like the first page of the book is too advanced for where the reader's skill levels are at, then put that book back and select easier reading material. You don't want the challenged reader to struggle so much that she does not get anything out of the book.
- 4). Keep the experience of discovering books comfortable and positive. Help the challenged reader if he becomes stressed or anxious during the process. For challenged readers, it can feel like a lot of pressure to pick out books that must be read. But you can help him stay calm by giving the reader the control and not forcing any books upon him.
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