“Don’t read in a French accent.”

When it is time for reading at school or as homework, struggling readers may refuse, cry or act out to avoid the dreaded activity. For them, reading could be more fun. After a long day at school, it is the last thing some students want to do. Incorporating extra support and fun can improve the student’s willingness to read. Even at school, reading needs to become something students enjoy.

I am a special education teacher, but I also have sons who were in special education. Years ago, I had a student who avoided reading whenever possible. He loved drawing cartoons and creating voices for them, and he had recently discovered the cartoon character Pepé Le Pew. When he asked to come to his small group, he said, "You know I don't like to read."

I responded, “I know. I need you to come, but don’t smile. Don’t laugh, and especially, don’t read in a French accent.”

After a pause, the student joined his group and began to read in his cartoon-styled French accent. On subsequent days, he might read in a Spanish accent that did not sound like a Spanish accent or like me with a higher-pitched voice and an East Tennessee accent. The best day was when he informed me that he was not reading to me but singing instead. The other students became the backup singers. After reading, he responded that he liked chapter books and that "reading is fun."

Take turns reading at home when you are reading with your child. Read in funny voices or even sing if you want. Use toy microphones. Alternate pages, but let your child decide who goes first. Then reread the book, switching who reads first. Talk about the book. Share what you enjoy or a connection you made to another story. Sometimes you may have to read specific books, but when there is a choice, read what your child is interested in. Check out books at the public library, or reading books online. Make reading fun for you and your child so that homework time can be less of a struggle.