Q: I'm trying to encourage my child to read more. Should I recommend books?

A: Adult approval may ensure consignment to oblivion for some books - and some children! It's important though that adults show they have preferences and that reading has given them pleasure and enriched their view of the world. With younger children, even after they can read it's a good idea to continue reading aloud to make new books you choose accessible and to capture the voices involved. 'Desert island' lists of favourite texts can generate discussion and arouse curiosity for older children.

For more information go to the 'Reluctant Reader' section.

Q: My eight year old son has so much trouble with reading that he just hates it. I have tried taking him to the local library and getting him to pick his favourite books. He finds it difficult to read them at home. How can I help him? He is in reading support class and has speech class to help. He doesn't know the sound of vowels and doesn't seem to be able to do them. He has ADHD, which is a form of Attention Deficit Disorder in which hyperactivity is present. He is on medication for his ADHD but he still has problems focusing in the afternoon. His mornings are good. He has spelling tests where he has to study his spelling three times before sitting the test. He does really well in these. His teacher is wonderful and keeps me up to date on how he does in class. Is there anything else that I could do to help my son? The school did some testing at the end of his first grade year. He reached a third grade level in Maths and a K level in Reading. He is starting to have problems with Math because of the reading involved. What do I do?
Phyllis, Cambridge Springs.

A: Dear Phyllis,
Thank you for your query. It sounds as if your son is getting plenty of support, both from you and his teacher, which is a very good start. Reading at home with your son is one of the best things you can do to help him - children who read at home with their parents often perform better in school. A short session of reading together for at least 15 minutes every day would be ideal - and it would also help if you were reading something which your son is genuinely interested in. Does he like comics or story books? Let him pick the reading material and try to make it a lively and fun everyday activity. Many children of this age are reluctant readers so your son is by no means alone. If you'd like more information and advice on tackling the issue, click on Reading together.