“My child starts books but never finishes reading. What do I do?”
by Vanessa Bicomong
“Inuumpisahan lang niya, pero hindi tinatapos,” is how many Learning Library parents have described their children’s reading habits. They’re talking about Reading Stamina – something that has become an increasing concern in recent years as interest in reading has declined among not just children, but adults as well.
Why don’t young readers finish books?
Lack of Interest: After starting the book, they realize the topic or the writing style is not suited to them. They’d rather read – or do – something else.
Impatience / Feels like a Chore: Especially when faced with a wall of text with no graphics, some students just don’t have the will to finish reading till the end.
Distraction: When they have not developed the reading habit, it’s easy for children to lose focus or get pulled into other media like shows or short videos.
How do you increase Reading Stamina?
Like getting a child into sports, it begins with making them enjoy it.
Determine the Starting Point: Can your child understand the book? Use the Five-Finger Rule to see if a book is too hard: if they can’t understand 4 out of 5 random words on one page, the book is likely too difficult and frustrating to finish.
Find the Right One: Whether it’s sports or a book, it takes time to find the one that fits your child best. Keep trying different genres and authors until you find it.
Model enjoyment: Read books with them and talk about it. Or find reading partners among siblings or friends who can be part of a reading group.
Build through Practice: Start with short books, not long novels. Try audiobooks if they prefer listening. When the reading muscle is practiced over time, it becomes stronger.
Want suggestions on the best titles for children? We have those here.
Create the right environment for reading
The right environment and motivation is critical to building the reading muscle.
Create a Reading Nook: A comfortable chair beside bookshelves, or a good reading light on the bedside table where books are stacked makes reading pleasurable.
Create a Reading Ritual: Establish a consistent 10-to-15-minute "Family Reading Time" where everyone, including adults, puts away screens and reads their own books.
"Finish Rewards": Agree on an incentive every time a book is completed, until the time they do it voluntarily.
Make Books the Reward: Rewarding good grades or behavior with books (which could be a comic book, or an anime-/character-based novel) signals to your child that reading is rewarding.
Need help? Our ENGLISH EDGE online classes develop both reading interest and stamina through the help of reading coaches and classmates. Sign up for a free trial today here.
