Reading Feels Like a Chore!”

How to Make It Fun

(From a Teacher, Author, and Mum)

Hi, I’m Tania—a teacher, author of children’s books, and mum to a dyslexic and ADHD daughter. As a teacher, I’m often asked this question, and as a mum, I’ve faced the same struggle at home:

“My child thinks reading is a chore. How can I make it fun?”

If your child groans at reading time, the secret is to take the pressure off and add joy. Reading should feel like an adventure, not an assignment. Here are my best tried-and-tested tips for turning reluctant readers into lifelong ones.

Let Kids Choose the Book

Choice builds motivation. Let your child pick what they read—whether it’s comics, magazines, recipe books, or funny stories. It all counts!

A practical tip from me as a parent:
Don’t overwhelm them with options. Offer two or three books, and let them choose one. You’ll save time (and arguments!) and get insight into what truly interests them.

For dyslexic or neurodivergent children, this approach works wonders. Even if a book seems “too easy” or “too hard,” it’s okay. You can co-read, create your own words for the pictures, or help with trickier parts.

And remember: any reading is better than none—even if it’s below their grade level or the hundredth re-read of their favourite book.

Libraries are goldmines for this. Let them explore shelves freely; the more ownership they feel, the more likely they are to enjoy it.

Make Reading an Experience

Turn reading time into play time.

• Build a blanket fort and read by torchlight for a camping feel.

• In winter, get cosy by the fireplace with hot chocolate.

• In summer, head outside—spread a picnic blanket under a shady tree, or read by the pool with an ice lolly.

• Dress up as a favourite character and bring the story to life.

• Use funny voices or sound effects—great for building imagination and understanding, from age 3 through to primary or middle school.

• Keep sessions short, happy, and pressure-free.

As a mum to a dyslexic, ADHD child, my top goal is always low stress and high connection. Story time with Mum, Dad, Granny, or Grandpa becomes a moment of bonding—and that’s what keeps kids coming back. Whether you’re curled up in winter warmth or soaking up summer sunshine, the goal is the same: make reading feel like fun.

Ditch the “Homework” Mindset

If reading feels like homework, it quickly becomes a battle. Avoid strict reading logs or endless comprehension quizzes. Instead, focus on connection and curiosity:

• Cuddle up and simply enjoy the story.

• Laugh at the funny bits, gasp at surprises, and wonder aloud about what might happen next.

• Ask gentle, open-ended questions like:

  • “Which character do you like best?”

  • “How would you end this story differently?”

Then, take it further:

• Create your own book together. Let your child draw, cut and paste, or use stickers to make the story theirs.

• Ask: How many characters are there? What do they look like? Where does it happen—at school, home, or in space?

• Let your child give their book a voice—their voice.

If they prefer baking, crafting, or animals, turn that into a book too! A recipe journal, craft guide, or pet scrapbook still counts as reading and writing.

Important: This isn’t a spelling or grammar lesson. If your child struggles, let them use pencil, and correct gently—or write for them as they dictate. You can even write words for them to trace. The goal is motivation and creativity, not perfection.

When reading is relaxed and fun, children start associating books with pleasure, not pressure.

And always celebrate their effort—display their homemade books, share them with grandparents, or do a “mini reading show” for family. Positive attention reinforces that reading feels good.

Interact and Engage

Bring the story to life through hands-on fun.

• Ask questions like, “What do you think happens next?” or “Which part would you change?”

• Let them draw a favourite scene or build it with blocks.

• If a book mentions food, make the snack together.

• Reading about animals or dinosaurs? Head outdoors for a garden “safari” or dino hunt.

These activities transform reading from a quiet task into a full-sensory experience they’ll remember.

Celebrate Every Win (and Be Patient)

Progress looks different for every child.

• Did they read for 10 minutes without frustration? That’s a win—celebrate it!

• Read the same book yourself and chat about it later.

• For reluctant readers, try “I read two lines, you read one.”

• If they respond well to rewards, use a simple sticker chart or reading card to track effort—not speed or level.

Reading isn’t one-size-fits-all. These gentle strategies help both struggling and reluctant readers—especially those who are dyslexic, ADHD, or simply burnt out—to rediscover the joy in books.

That’s step one: when reading becomes enjoyable, you’ve already created a reader for life.

If Your Child Prefers Activities Over Stories…

That’s okay—it’s still reading!

Following recipes, solving riddles, reading instructions for crafts, or building blocks —all of it strengthens reading, comprehension, and sequencing skills.

If your child enjoys hands-on activities, you’ll find a variety of dyslexia-friendly printables, puzzles, and activity books on tansleyexpress.com. They’re designed to make learning playful, practical, and stress-free for every child.

A Note About This Series

This is Part 1 of my “Raising Readers” blog series for parents.
Next week, we’ll tackle:

• How to choose books at the right reading level

• Using your child’s interests (like dinosaurs or video games) to spark a love of reading

• Whether audiobooks and graphic novels really count (spoiler: they do!)

So stay tuned—and if you found these ideas helpful, share this post with another parent who needs encouragement.

Final Thought

You don’t need perfect routines or perfect readers—just small, happy moments with books. Keep it light, keep it loving, and keep going. You’re building not just a reader, but a bond that lasts a lifetime.

And if you need simple, dyslexia-friendly ideas to make reading time easier, visit tansleyexpress.com for printables and parent-friendly tips.