Are you looking for hacks to support students who do not read independently? If so, keep reading.
1. Establish a system of reinforcers, either concrete (e.g., extra computer time, helper for the day, etc.) or informal (e.g., smile, handshake, praise, etc.), to urge the student to be more successful in reading.
2. Get the student to dictate stories that are then put in print for them to read.
3. Give the student a quiet space (e.g., carrel, study booth, “office,” etc.) where they may go to take part in reading learning activities .
4. Read, or have someone read, high interest content to the student to promote their interest in reading.
5. Urge the student to read content with many illustrations and a limited amount of print. As the student shows success, slowly decrease the number of images, and increase the amount of print.
6. Urge parents to make reading content on the student’s interest and reading level available to the student at home.
7. Teach the student appropriate reading skills before expecting them to read independently.
8. Compose paragraphs and short stories for the student. The passages must be of interest to the student using their name, family members, friends, pets, and exciting experiences.
9. Establish a fixed or random time (e.g., a half-hour daily, an hour a week, etc.) for a “Read-In.” Everyone, the teacher included, selects a book that they like and reads it for pleasure.
10. Organize a survey of the student’s interests to give reading content in those interest areas.
11. Urge parents to read to their child at home and to have their child read to them. Urge parents to read for their own enjoyment to serve as a model for their child.
12. Get the student to write to the author of content they read to encourage an interest in reading more by the same author.
13. Give reading content in several settings (e.g., STEM books in the science center, art books in the art center, etc.).
14. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.
15. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.
16. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:
10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read
7 Must-Have Apps to Make Learners Love Reading
7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools
9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources
