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Issue # 45 Readers in the Making

Hi there, Readers in the Making Family!

Has your child ever sighed dramatically at the mere mention of reading time? Maybe they drag their feet when it’s time to pick up a book or say the dreaded words: "I hate reading."

It’s frustrating, right? Especially when we know how important reading is. But here’s the thing—sometimes, the way we approach reading (even with the best intentions!) can actually push kids away instead of pulling them in. (Don't worry if you have done them; I have too many times. Let's fix them instead of beating ourselves up.)

This week, we’re tackling 3 common mistakes that make kids dislike reading—and, more importantly, how to fix them. Because when we shift the way we approach books, we can turn reluctant readers into lifelong book lovers.

Let’s spark a little reading joy! ✨📖

Turning Pages Together

A few years ago, I worked with a student who hated reading. No matter what book I suggested, she refused. Her parents were frustrated, her teachers were concerned, and honestly? She was over it.

The ironic part was I met this child when she was in kindergarten and my second graders were doing project-based learning for Apple. Our mission was to change apathy into engagement in reading.

My group of second graders went downstairs to a kindergarten class to interview children to gather information about how kids felt about reading. (This project ended up being INCREDIBLE, and my students were transformed. More about that another day.)

Back to the story today. So, when my 2nd graders were meeting with the kindergarteners I noticed a very direct little girl who spore she HATED reading. She told us that NOTHING could change her mind.

I knew right there in that moment that I would one day be her teacher in second grade.

And guess what? I was. 😂

So one day a few years later, I asked her a simple question:

"If you could read anything—no rules, no assignments, just for fun—what would it be?"

She looked at me, skeptical, and then finally admitted: "Comic books. But those don’t count, right?"

Oh, but they do count.

Once she realized that any book could be a “real” book, everything changed. She started reading graphic novels, then moved to adventure stories, and before long—she was hooked.

That’s when it hit me: Sometimes, it’s not that kids don’t like reading. It’s that they haven’t found the right way in.

The Reading Spark

📚 3 Common Mistakes That Make Kids Hate Reading (And How to Fix Them!)

We all want our kids to be strong readers. But sometimes, without realizing it, we create barriers instead of bridges. Here are three common mistakes to avoid:

❌ Mistake #1: Only Allowing “Just Right” Books​
📖 The Fix: Let kids explore all kinds of books—graphic novels, audiobooks, silly picture books, even books “too easy” or “too hard.” The goal? To build a love for stories first.

❌ Mistake #2: Using Reading as a Punishment​
⏳ The Fix: Make reading feel like a reward, not a consequence. Instead of saying, “If you don’t clean your room, you have to read”, try: “Let’s snuggle up and read together—just for fun.”

❌ Mistake #3: Focusing Only on Skills, Not Enjoyment​
📚 The Fix: Reading fluency and comprehension are important, but they come naturally when kids love books. Instead of quizzing them, try talking about the story, acting it out, or connecting it to their lives.

Today on Readers in the Making, I discuss each of these mistakes further and share practical tips for fixing them.

The show airs on YouTube at 9:30 am EST. (This is my new time! I hope it works for you!)

Join me for this week’s Readers in the Making live show! 🎥👇

This Week's Reading Boost

📖 Book Recommendation: Knuffle Bunny Books by Mo Willems

These hilarious, heartfelt picture books are perfect for engaging reluctant readers with fun storytelling, expressive illustrations, and relatable childhood moments.

In fact, the character of Trixie is ANOTHER way I hooked that child who hated reading.

This child LOVED when I read Trixie's voice. She couldn't believe how funny she was.

Never underestimate the power of a character's voice or the power of read-alouds.

📌 Check them out here!

​Grab the books.​

I use all three of the Knuffle Bunny books in my Character Unit. You can get that inside of my Read Aloud Books and Activities: Reading Response Sheets: Interactive Read Aloud Unit.​

This Week’s Resource Highlight

🌟 Read Aloud Books & Activities: Interactive Reading Response Sheets!

Looking for easy-to-use activities that make read-alouds more engaging? This resource is perfect for:

✅ Building comprehension – Encourages retelling, predictions, character analysis, and making connections.
✅ Encouraging deep thinking – Includes writing prompts, discussion starters, and hands-on activities.
✅ Working for any read-aloud! – Use it with fiction, nonfiction, picture books, or chapter books.

📌 Check it out here!​

Your Turn: Share the Joy!

What’s one mistake you’ve made (or almost made) when trying to encourage reading?

Reply to this email or tag me on Instagram @trina_deboree with your thoughts!

📌 Bonus! Tag me, and I’ll send you a FREE book list by standards and skills—perfect for finding great reads at your child’s level!

Until We Read Again...

Helping kids love reading doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about joy, choice, and connection. Let’s create reading moments that kids actually want to come back to.

Let’s keep turning pages together!

Warmly,
Trina