Not every student jumps for joy at the sight of a book. Some kids treat reading like homework torture. Others simply haven’t found a story that clicks.
Parents and teachers often wonder: What to do when students hate reading? The truth is, the dislike isn’t always about books. Sometimes it’s about confidence, boredom, or lack of exposure.
The good news? Reading resistance isn’t permanent. With the right approach, even reluctant readers can discover that reading isn’t punishment—it’s power.
Let’s explore proven, human-centered ways to turn reluctant readers into lifelong learners.
Use Your Librarian
School or community librarians are hidden gems in the fight against reading resistance. They know books, genres, and trends that spark curiosity.
A good librarian doesn’t just recommend titles. They match readers with the right stories. Think of them as book whisperers. They can sense when a student needs something light, funny, or fast-paced.
Students often respond better when choices come from someone other than a parent or teacher. A librarian’s enthusiasm can be contagious. They help make reading social instead of solitary.
If your child dislikes reading, schedule regular library visits. Encourage exploration, not assignments. Let them roam the shelves and pick what catches their eye. Choice builds ownership—and ownership builds motivation.
Employ Some Audiobooks
Audiobooks aren’t cheating. They’re reading—just in another form. In fact, they can transform the way students see stories.
Some students hate reading because decoding text feels exhausting. Listening removes that barrier. It lets them enjoy the story without struggling over every word.
Audiobooks also introduce proper pronunciation, tone, and rhythm. They make characters come alive. Imagine hearing a fantasy novel read by a talented actor—suddenly, words turn into worlds.
Parents can play audiobooks in the car or during bedtime routines. Teachers can use them in class for read-alongs. Once students realize stories can sound thrilling, they often grow curious about reading the print version too.
Start with something short and engaging—maybe a mystery, or a popular young adult series. Gradually mix in printed books. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Read to Them
Even older kids like being read to. There’s something comforting about a familiar voice telling a story.
Reading aloud isn’t just for toddlers. Tweens and teens enjoy it too, though they might not admit it. It builds listening skills and creates emotional connection.
When parents read to their kids, they show that reading is valuable enough to share. It becomes quality time, not a task.
Choose stories with humor, action, or real emotion. Pause to ask questions. “What do you think will happen next?” sparks curiosity and comprehension.
And yes, it’s okay to get dramatic! Change your voice for different characters. Add sound effects. Let your enthusiasm shine. Sometimes, laughter is the first step toward love for reading.
Model Reading
Kids imitate what they see. If parents or teachers never pick up a book, students won’t either.
Modeling reading doesn’t mean lecturing about it. It means doing it. Sit on the couch with a novel. Read during breakfast. Keep a book in your bag.
Let your children or students see that reading fits into daily life. Mention something interesting you read. Talk about a headline, a biography, or even a cookbook.
Curiosity spreads. When kids witness genuine interest, they learn that reading isn’t just schoolwork—it’s a way to understand the world.
Teachers can also model by setting “silent reading” moments. Sit with your own book while students read theirs. When adults participate, it sends a powerful message: reading isn’t optional, it’s enjoyable.
Carve Out a Family Reading Time
Families often say they’re too busy to read. Between sports, homework, and screens, it’s tough. But even 15 minutes can make a difference.
Family reading time works best when it’s routine. Maybe after dinner, before bed, or on lazy Sunday afternoons.
During that time, everyone reads—no phones, no TV, no distractions. It’s peaceful, but also powerful. Children see that reading is part of family culture, not just schoolwork.
Parents can sip coffee and read novels while kids explore comics or short stories. The format doesn’t matter. What matters is consistency.
Add a cozy touch. Light a candle, make hot chocolate, or play soft music. The atmosphere matters as much as the activity. When reading feels relaxing, kids are more likely to return to it voluntarily.
Discuss Books with Your Tweens and Teens
Teens might roll their eyes at first, but deep down, they crave connection. Discussing books helps them feel seen and heard.
You don’t need formal analysis. Just talk. Ask open-ended questions: “Did you like that character?” “Would you have made the same choice?”
Discussions encourage critical thinking. They also link reading to real-life issues. A dystopian novel might lead to talks about fairness, technology, or freedom.
Conversations also reveal what kind of stories resonate with them. Some teens love fantasy; others prefer real-world drama.
When parents or teachers listen without judgment, students start sharing honestly. They might even recommend books themselves one day. That’s when you know the spark has caught fire.
Pick Books That Have Movie Counterparts
Movies can be excellent gateways to books. Students love visual stories, so why not use that interest?
Start with a movie they already enjoy. Then introduce the book version. Highlight the differences—what’s missing or expanded in the text.
This comparison builds curiosity and critical thinking. Students realize that books often hold deeper insights and emotions than their screen versions.
Teachers can plan “book-to-movie” activities. Parents can host family movie nights followed by short book discussions.
Titles like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, or Wonder bridge both worlds beautifully. Visual learners especially benefit from seeing how written words translate to images.
Sometimes, students end up saying, “The book was better!”—a sentence every parent loves to hear.
Use Rewards
Some educators hesitate to use rewards, but they can motivate reluctant readers effectively when used wisely.
Rewards don’t have to be extravagant. A bookmark, extra screen time, or a favorite snack can do the trick.
The key is to connect the reward to effort, not just completion. Celebrate consistency—like finishing a chapter each night or trying a new genre.
Small victories matter. They build confidence. Over time, the sense of achievement becomes its own reward.
You can also create reading challenges. Set family goals: “Let’s read ten books before summer.” Track progress with stickers or charts.
Gamifying reading taps into children’s natural competitiveness and gives them a clear sense of progress.
Just remember: rewards start the habit. Passion sustains it.
A Personal Note
When I taught a group of middle schoolers years ago, one student openly declared, “I hate reading!” Instead of forcing novels, I handed him a sports magazine.
Weeks later, he was discussing articles passionately. That’s when I learned—reading doesn’t have to mean novels or textbooks. It means engagement.
That student eventually picked up a biography about his favorite athlete. From then on, he read voluntarily. Sometimes, all it takes is one spark.
Conclusion
So, what to do when students hate reading? You adapt. You experiment. You meet them where they are.
Use librarians. Try audiobooks. Read aloud. Model good habits. Make reading a shared, joyful activity.
Most importantly, don’t give up. Resistance doesn’t mean rejection—it means the right book or method hasn’t been found yet.
Reading is a lifelong gift. Once a student discovers the right story, their world expands beyond imagination.
