Summer reading is a great opportunity for kids to dive into great books. However, kids who struggle with reading will oftentimes avoid reading because it is so difficult. Here are some tips to help struggling readers enjoy summer reading.
My elementary aged kids are reading up a storm already this summer. Â I am so excited, I have to share with all of you.
Whether your kids struggle with reading or not, no one will argue with you that the more a child reads, the better. There is a ton of research showing that the best way to improve reading skills is, well, reading. This is easier said than done for kids who struggle to read.  A 10-year old reading on a 2nd grade reading level is simply not going to be interested in the content of most books written for that age range.  Older kids can be sensitive to books that appear babyish.
Use Hi/Low Books for Struggling Readers
High interest/low reading level books can motivate struggling readers by providing books on topics that are really engaging, targeted toward their reading level. High/low books can help build reading fluency, vocabulary, background knowledge and interest in reading.  Hi-Low books have the advantage of looking like chapter books and are written about interesting topics with easy readability.
What a great find these books have been for our family! Many companies offer Hi-Lo books for struggling readers.
Here are some of our favorite books:
Great Illustrated Classics are just that. Â With large print, an illustration on every other page and excellent classic stories such as Treasure Island, Oliver Twist, Anne of Green Gables and Pride and Prejudice, our kids eat these books up. Â Written at approximately a 2-3rd grade level, they are excellent for both the young reader and the older struggling reader. Â Some of these are available on Kindle with Whispersync technology.
Similar to the Great Illustrated Classics. Â I look for all of these books at yard sales, used curriculum sales and thrift stores but they can be purchased fairly inexpensively in paperback via Amazon as well.
The website allows you to browse books by reading level or subject/genre. In addition, High Noon Books offers many resources for teaching kids with reading struggles.
From the Capstone web site, “Dynamic, riveting action captivates the reluctant reader in these age-appropriate and illustrated tales. The high-interest topics offer an array of genres. Short chapters, smooth dialogue, and adrenaline-soaked subjects will help turn struggling skimmers into excited book lovers.”  Reading Level: 2-3  Interest Level: 5-9
Hundreds of Hi Lo Books for all ages.
Hi/Lo Reader book sets organized by reading level and interest level.
Extensive List of Books at 2-4th Grade Level
Many of these books can be found at your local library.
Determining Reading Level for your Struggling Reader
Need to figure out at what level your child is reading? Â Read this article on using the Fry’s Readability Graph.
Kids who struggle with reading will oftentimes avoid reading because it is so difficult. Â Take some time this summer to find books for your kids written at their level that appeal to their interests.
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