Send us a text

Reading battles don't have to be your nightly reality. Behind every "I hate reading" declaration, focus struggle, or mechanical page-turning lies an opportunity for transformation.

Remember that little girl who proudly announced she hated all books? Two years later, she left my classroom as an enthusiastic reader. What changed wasn't her ability—it was her experience. When children resist reading, they're rarely rejecting stories; they're avoiding feelings of inadequacy or failure. The shift begins when we respond with "I get it, reading can feel hard sometimes" instead of frustration or disappointment.

This episode walks you through practical solutions for three common reading frustrations. For the reluctant reader, we explore how offering choices (graphic novels, joke books, audio books) creates low-pressure wins. For the fidgeter who can't sit still, learn how breaking reading into micro-chunks, allowing intentional movement, and changing environments (reading forts, park visits, trampoline bouncing) can dramatically improve engagement. And for children going through the motions without connection, discover how makerspace thinking transforms passive reading into creative adventures.

The beauty of these approaches lies in their simplicity. You don't need special materials or educational degrees—just a willingness to shift perspectives and prioritize joy. Try tonight's challenges: read anything your child chooses with zero corrections, build a reading fort with a flashlight and snacks, or turn a story into a hands-on project using the free Communication STEM Story Station resource.

Reading struggles aren't roadblocks—they're invitations to try something different. Your child deserves to love books, and you deserve peace at story time. One small change today could spark the reading breakthrough you've been waiting for.

🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips to help kids love reading—for life!

Support the show

🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!