A frustrated child reader needs to be able to choose the book to read. The child also needs to understand how books are relevant to his or her life. A child may find a book about a girl who leads a similar life, or maybe a book about something familiar from science class. When children see that books give them knowledge about themselves and the world, this is a major turning point.
Engage your family in "Family Reading Time." Have a specific time each week or day that the whole family reads together. You can read one book aloud, or read independently for enjoyment. This time allows your child to see a model of good reading habits. When your child sees you reading, he or she will want to read, too.
Listen to books on tape. Books on tape allow hesitant readers to hear what good reading sounds like. Furthermore, if you have a hard copy of the book in question, the child can read along with the tape, following the words in the book. In this way, the child can practice reading and be reassured by the speaker's voice.
Participate in a reading program at your public library. Many library have incentive programs to motivate readers. There are programs in which students receive a gift bag if they read a certain amount of books over the summer. Call or check your local library's website for more information.
Give lots of positive encouragement. Children need to hear positive reinforcement in order to feel confident in their reading. When you read with your child, give specific compliments about his or her reading. This will help your student discover particular strengths that he or she possesses, and feel more comfortable reading with others.
Go with it. If your child tells you something he or she likes, look for ways to incorporate it into reading. If your child likes to skateboard, buy a few books about skateboarding or books that explain how to do certain tricks. There are books about anything and everything, and parents need to expose their children to the endless possibilities that reading provides.