Thanks to all the wonderful students at Brookdale Ave. School, Watchung Elementary, and FN Brown for making me feel to welcome on Monday.  Thanks to Watchung students for singing Happy Birthday to me!
 

Hope you'll stop by Facebook.com/debbiedadey every Thursday
for more ways to end "I Hate to read!"
I don't hate to read, but I know some kids do. I'm on a mission to stop the horror. If your child hates to read, try this: Ask them to make a list (you can write it for them) of the top five types of books they hate to read. Sometimes it's easier for them to identify what they hate rather than what they like. That will give you a starting point. If that doesn't work, try this:
I HATE DOG BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE SPORTS BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE SCARY BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE FUNNY BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE BOOKS ABOUT GIRLS. YES OR NO
I HATE BOOKS ABOUT BOYS. YES OR NO
I HATE BOOKS ABOUT MONSTERS. YES OR NO
I HATE FAT BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE SKINNY BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE HORSE BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE CAR BOOKS. YES OR NO
I HATE DINOSAUR BOOKS. YES OR NO
If there is one that they don't hate, then you have a starting point. You can look for those books in the library or bookstore.
If your child doesn't like to read, have you considered that perhaps they just haven't found the right book yet?  Let them choose what interests them.  Here are some other tips to put them on the path to reading success:
  You read a line and then let your child read.  Try to make sure the hardest words are ones you get.  You know things are improving when they forget to stop.
  Don't worry if your child doesn't want to stop reading a series.  Series reading helps develop prediction skills and allows students to grow their comprehension skills in a safe comforting environment. 
  Don't make your child sound out every word!  It's horrible for them and for you.  Just do it occasionally and help them with the others.  You want reading time at home to be fun and non-threatening, so they'll see that reading can be FUN.
  Have your child's eyes checked if they appear to be squinting at the words. 
  Let your child see you reading for pleasure.  Modeling is the best lesson.
  Be an angel and read to your child every night before they go to bed.  This is not a lesson where they read.  This is where you read to them.  They learn comprehension by listening and they learn a love of reading by enjoying stories with you.