Engaging Reluctant Readers
Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent.
Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way.
As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works.
You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration.
Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate.
Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!
Engaging Reluctant Readers
No More "I Hate Reading!"—Fun, Easy Ways to Bring Books to Life for Kids
Does your child resist reading—or claim it’s just plain boring? You’re not alone. Many kids see books as “work” instead of play—but the magic of storytelling isn’t lost… it just needs a little boost!
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares creative, low-prep ways to transform storytime from “ugh” to “yay!” Learn how silly voices, props, cozy spaces, and playful reading strategies can make books feel like a game instead of a chore—no acting skills (or glitter crafts) required!
What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why some kids disengage from reading—and how to change that
✔ Simple ways to make reading fun with no-pressure activities
✔ How to bring stories to life using character voices, props, and acting
✔ Tips for creating creative reading spaces kids want to be in
✔ The real goal: helping kids experience stories, not just read words
⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:00:50] Why some kids resist reading—and what helps
[00:02:32] Playful reading = better focus and comprehension
[00:03:39] Using silly voices to make characters come alive
[00:04:19] Props and sound effects to boost immersion
[00:04:58] Acting out scenes makes books feel like play
[00:06:29] Flashlight stories, changing up location and theme, and adventure setups
[00:08:19] When playful reading helps reignite interest
[00:09:06] Interactive books to try + reading from new perspectives
[00:12:23] Sneak peek of next week’s episode
📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/06/26/make-reading-fun-for-kids/
📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/LqOpeG74iCk
✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
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📥 Get it here → https://bit.ly/RBLBundle
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It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
Resources:
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[00:00:00] Welcome to the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast. I'm Ellen Westbrook, your host and Recovering Reluctant Reader. Together, we'll tackle reading roadblocks with personalized strategies and out of the box ideas, all while rediscovering the joy of family reading fun. Ready to transform your child's view of reading from dread to must be read?
[00:00:17] Let's dive into today's episode.
[00:00:24] Just a heads up, I wanted to let you know that each episode comes with a full blog post packed with extra tips and resources, so just check the episode description below for the link.
[00:00:33] Have you ever sat down for story time, excited to read with your child, only for them to drag their feet like you just asked them to clean their room? Or maybe they open the book, stare at a page for a few seconds, and then suddenly remember they desperately need a snack, have a burning question about dinosaurs, or just can't get comfortable no matter where they sit?
[00:00:50] For some kids, reading feels like work. And the harder we try to encourage it, ""Just one more page." "Can you at least finish the chapter?" the more they resist. Because, let's be honest, if they're already struggling to stay engaged, simply asking them to read more isn't going to change that.
[00:01:04] But here's the good news. Small, simple tweaks can make reading feel more like play. And no, that doesn't mean you have to turn every story time into a full-on Broadway performance. Just a little creativity, a silly voice, a fun reading spot, or a simple change in how you approach the book can help pull them into the story in a way that feels fun and natural.
[00:01:21] Now, I know for my boys, reading has never just been about sitting quietly with a book. It's about the voices, the drama, the excitement. And honestly, it's been that way ever since they were little. They've never known reading without some level of fun built in. Now, not every reading session is an over-the-top production, but there's always an opportunity to bring the story to life, whether it's acting out the scene, switching up the way we read, or just adding a little extra energy to the moment.
[00:01:44] And the best part, some of these ideas don't even require you to be the one making reading fun. With the right nudge, your child can take the lead making it feel like their idea. So, it doesn't feel like something they were told to do. And don't worry, this isn't about elaborate crafts or a Pinterest level prep. We're keeping it simple because let's be real, as moms, we've got enough on our plate.
[00:02:03] So today I'm sharing some simple low prep ways to bring books to life that you can start using right now to make reading more fun for the whole family.
[00:02:10] Have you ever noticed how kids can turn anything into play except when it comes to reading? Give them a cardboard box and suddenly it's a rocket ship. Hand them a few blocks and they've built an entire city. But put a book in front of them and bam, they're too tired or not in the mood. Why is that? It's not like they don't like stories. It's that reading doesn't always feel as fun as their other activities. But that's something we can change.
[00:02:32] Playful reading works because it keeps kids engaged. When reading feels interactive, it doesn't feel like work. It feels like part of their playtime, something they actually want to do. It also helps books compete with screens. And let's be honest, when kids are used to bright, colorful visuals and non-stop action, sitting down with a book can feel underwhelming. And when we bring stories to life in a fun way, Voila! Books aren't so different from their favorite shows or video games.
[00:02:55] Beyond just keeping their attention, playful reading actually helps with comprehension. Acting out scenes, using props, or even changing your voice makes the story more vivid and easier to understand.
[00:03:05] It's also great for their creativity. Some kids struggle to visualize what they're reading, and that's a skill that takes time to develop. But when they hear different character voices, act out a dramatic moment, or even just add a little movement, it helps them picture the world in their own way. And finally, and this is a big one, it breaks down resistance. Kids who find reading boring or intimidating are way less likely to push back if reading feels like a game instead of a task.
[00:03:29] So now that we know why it works, let's talk about how to do it. Let's start with the easiest way to add instant fun into your reading routine, and it may not be what you guessed. It's to get a little dramatic.
[00:03:39] So let's start with voices. Using different voices for each character instantly makes a book more exciting. You don't have to be a professional voice actor to make it fun. Just play around with pitch, tone, and speed. You can make the villain deep and dramatic and give the sidekick a squeaky fast paced voice or throw in a ridiculous accent. Just because. The more exaggerated, the better. And if switching between voices feels overwhelming, let your child pick a voice for you to try. Or you can take turns. It's completely up to you.
[00:04:05] Now, I'll be the first to admit, I am not great at doing the voices, but honestly, that just makes it better. My boys love watching me stumble through, cracking up at all my attempts. Unlike my husband, who could have been a voice actor in another life. I just lean into the chaos and that's half the fun.
[00:04:19] And if you really want to take it to the next level, add sound effects. If there's a thunderstorm going on in the story, give him a big boom. If there's an explosion, make it dramatic. These little things pull kids in and keep them engaged with what's happening.
[00:04:31] Now sometimes bringing a book to life means getting up and into the story. You don't have to go overboard. Even simple movements or props can make a big difference. Stuffed animals or action figures make great stand ins for characters. A wooden spoon or a paper towel will roll. Magically, it's a sword. a blanket. Now it's a superhero cape. And if you want to go all in, you can. You could create a treasure map for a pirate story, or grab a hat and pretend you're going on a dinosaur expedition. The goal here isn't perfection, it's just adding that little extra spark of fun.
[00:04:58] One of my favorite things is when my kids start acting out books on their own. If a story's based on a movie they already love- forget it, they'll take over completely, reenacting every scene before I can even turn the page.
[00:05:08] And this actually reminds me of something from when I was a kid. You see, every Thanksgiving, my grandfather would write a script for either the latest Disney movie, or whatever my favorite was at the time, if they hadn't released anything new. At first, my dad or one of my aunts would narrate, while my cousins and I acted out the adapted script my grandfather had created.
[00:05:24] But as we got older, we had to read our own lines. The scripts got longer too. And eventually, I took on the role as narrator. Since even more of my younger cousins were able to join in. Now at that point in my life, I hated reading. But this was different. It was fun. It was a shared experience with my family, and even though I had to read a lot to be the narrator, or to play a big role, I never minded.
[00:05:44] That's the power of bringing stories to life. It shifts reading from something they feel forced into, into something they actually want to be a part of. and if they really love a book, let them direct their own mini performance. They pick out the roles, decide how to act out a scene, and you just go with it.
[00:05:58] One time when we were reading "The Three Little Pigs," I had my boys actually build the houses. We used pillows for straw, wooden blocks for sticks, and Legos for bricks. And of course, I was the big bad wolf, doing my best huff and puff to knock them down. Did it get a little out of hand? Absolutely. But was it the most fun we'd had reading that story? No question.
[00:06:16] Now, playful reading isn't just about voices or acting, it's also about where and how you read. Reading doesn't always have to happen the same way, in the same place, at the same time. Switching things up keeps it interesting, and can turn a regular reading session into something special.
[00:06:29] One of my favorite ways to mix things up? Flashlight reading. Turn off the lights, grab a flashlight, and read under the covers, like you're sneaking an extra reading past bedtime. Even if it's not bedtime at all. There's just something about reading in the dark with a little beam of light that makes it feel like an adventure. And if you haven't checked out the "Shine-A-Light" book series, those are perfect for this. You shine a flashlight behind the pages to reveal hidden images. It's such a fun interactive way to read. I'll put a link in the show notes or over on the blog so you can check them out.
[00:06:56] That's just one idea. You can also move to a different reading spot. You can switch from the couch, to a blanket outside, to a pillow fort, or even the bathtub. Minus the water, of course, unless you have water-friendly books.
[00:07:06] You can also change how you sit. You can lie on the floor, sit upside down on the couch, or bounce on an exercise ball. JD loves reading in bed with me, and Hunter, he thinks reading upside down is the best thing ever. I'll be happy when he is successfully reading on his own, so I can stop having the blood rush to my head.
[00:07:22] You can also make it a location based theme. So if you're reading a jungle adventure, do it outside on a blanket. If you're reading a pirate story, read in a ship, aka a couch cushion fort. If it's a camping themed book, take a flashlight and start reading in a tent. You can also pair a book with a simple snack inspired by the story. Nothing fancy, just something that ties into the theme.
[00:07:40] The point is, reading doesn't have to look the same every time. The more you change it up, the more fun it becomes. Now before you start thinking all this sounds great, but I don't have time for big elaborate reading sessions, let me stop you right there. None of this has to be complicated. Even doing just one silly voice or moving to a different reading spot can make a huge difference.
[00:07:57] And here's the thing, playful reading isn't something you have to do every single time. It's just another tool you have in your pocket. Some nights you'll have the energy to go all in with props and sound effects and other nights it'll just be a cozy bedtime story with a little extra expression. Both are great. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you're having fun too. Because when you bring the energy, your kids will feel it and the more likely they are to engage.
[00:08:19] There are plenty of times when bringing a little playfulness into reading can be exactly what your child needs. Especially if they're starting to lose interest. One of the best times to use playful reading is when your child seems bored or reluctant. Maybe they're dragging their feet about reading in general, or maybe they were into a book at first but are suddenly losing steam. This is when switching things up, adding voices, acting out of scene, or even just reading somewhere new can breathe life back into the story. And here's the key though. You never want to push through a book just for the sake of finishing it. It's okay not to finish it. If they're not feeling it, no amount of effort will magically make it engaging.
[00:08:51] Another perfect time for playful reading is rainy days or snow days when you're stuck inside and need something fun to do. Turning a book into a little adventure is a great way to pass the time, whether it's building a blanket fort to read in or acting out a silly scene together.
[00:09:04] Of course, you don't have to wait for a special occasion. This can also be part of your regular storytime routine. Some books practically ask to be read with expression, especially if they're packed with dialogue or dramatic moments. Books like "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" for younger kids or the "Bad Guys" series for older readers are perfect for this. They're full of personality and practically beg to be read in a fun way. And honestly, kids do this kind of thing all the time in their own play. How many times have you seen them pretending to be their favorite movie or TV characters, bringing that same energy into reading? Just makes sense.
[00:09:34] A few weeks ago I was reading "A Christmas Carol,", the Great Illustrated Classics version with JD, and I got to the part where the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appears.
[00:09:41] Now this spirit doesn't talk at all, so I really had to rely on body language and tone to set the mood. I exaggerated Scrooge's nervousness, drawing out his hesitation and adding in that slow kind of eerie pointing motion the spirit does. I was really leaning into it until JD suddenly turned to me and said, "Mom, can you stop creeping me out?" oops. But hey, it got the point across. And that's the goal. Helping kids feel the story instead of just reading the words on the page. So whether your child is getting restless, it's a gloomy day, or you want to shake things up a little, playful reading is always an option.
[00:10:13] If you're not used to adding playfulness to reading, my best advice is And this is basically the advice I'm going to give you with everything I share. Start small. You don't need to go full theater mode right away. Pick one idea to try. Maybe a silly voice for one character, or a simple prop for a scene, and see how your child responds.
[00:10:29] Let them take the lead. Kids love feeling in control, so let them decide which character you'll play, or allow them to help you pick out props. Sometimes all they need is a little nudge to spark their imagination. The more involved they are, the more fun it becomes.
[00:10:42] And just because this episode focused mostly on voices, gestures, and acting, that doesn't mean it's the only way to bring stories to life. Creative outlets like drawing or writing can be just as fun. You can encourage your child to draw pictures of their favorite characters or scenes. Or have them write an alternate ending, a sequel, or even a prequel to a book you just read. And better yet, flip the perspective. Try retelling the story from another character's point of view. "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" does this brilliantly, retelling the classic tale from the wolf's perspective. What if the villain actually was a misunderstood hero? What if the ending changed completely? These little twists help kids think critically about the stories they read, while making it more interactive.
[00:11:20] And if you feel like you're running out of ideas, mix it up. Rotate through some different strategies. Some days, try using props. Other days, change it up to where you read. Keeping things fresh keeps your child engaged. And most importantly, don't stress about perfection. Your kids don't care if your wolf growl suddenly sounds more like a puppy bark, or if your pirate accent shifts between Australian and Scottish halfway through. That's actually what makes it fun.
[00:11:42] There's no right or wrong way to make reading engaging. It's all about experimenting and finding what works for your child. And if you'd like me to go deeper into these kinds of ideas in another episode let me know. You can send me an email at ellen@engagingreluctantreaders.com because I'd love to hear what's working for you and what you'd like to hear more about.
[00:11:59] Okay, so reading together doesn't have to be serious or structured. It's about connection. A shared laugh over a ridiculous voice, the excitement of acting out a favorite scene, or even just the quiet magic of reading by flashlight. The goal isn't to turn every book into a big production. It's to help your child experience stories and not just read them. So whether it's a silly voice, a stuffed animal sidekick, or a reading in a pillow fort, grab a book, have fun with it, and make some memories.
[00:12:23] Have you ever felt like your child just isn't a reader? Like no matter what you try, books will never be their thing? I used to think the same thing about myself. Next week I'm sharing my own reading journey, how I went from an engaged young reader to avoiding books at all costs, and what finally changed everything for me as an adult.
[00:12:39] If you've ever wondered whether your reluctant reader could one day love books, you won't want to miss this one. So, make sure you're following the podcast, so you don't miss it.
[00:12:46] Looking for more details? There's a full blog post with extra tips and resources for each episode. You'll find the link for this week's episode in the description.
[00:12:53] Thanks so much for tuning into today's episode. If you're loving the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast, I'd love it if you could leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so these strategies can be shared to take more kiddos from dread to must-be read.
[00:13:06] Are you ready to spark some reading inspiration?
[00:13:08] Head on over to bit.ly/RBLBundle to get your free Reading Bucket List Bundle. With 164 inspiring ideas, you can give your child the power to choose where, what, and how they embark on their reading adventures and embrace reading on their own terms. No more pulling teeth, just excitement and a genuine love for stories anytime, anywhere.
[00:13:30] By snagging your bundle, you'll stay in the reading groove and never miss out on upcoming episodes. Until next time, this is Ellen Westbrook wishing you, happy reading!