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Issue # 46 Readers in the Making

👋 Hey there, reader-loving grown-up!

If your child (or student) has ever slammed a book shut and shouted “I hate reading!”—you’re not alone. This week, we’re digging into some of the most frustrating reading moments…and how to flip them into wins. Because when kids believe they can read, they start to want to read. 💛

Let’s turn the page together...

Turning Pages Together

A mom I recently spoke with told me, “Every time I ask him to read, it turns into a fight. I just want him to like books.” I felt that in my bones—because I’ve been there.

The truth is, when kids struggle with decoding or can’t sit still for more than a page, it’s not a reflection of you or them. It’s a signal that something’s missing in the connection between the child and the reading experience.

This week’s Readers in the Making video is all about helping you bridge that gap—with calm, confidence, and a dash of creativity.

The Reading Spark

📚 Here are two common reading challenges- and how to fix them:

😣 I hate reading!

Instead of arguing or insisting, try this:

You don't have to love reading today. Let's just have fun with one silly book or a story-building game. This will shift the pressure off performance and let the child come back to reading with curiosity instead of fear.

How this works in the classroom:

Allocate a portion of your reading time to focus on the LOVE of reading so that kids don't feel the pressure of performance ALL of the time. This can include doing things like Makerspace Moments with Literature. (Bringing the problem of the story alive with hands-on learning. You can see an example in my YouTube video.)

🤔 Wandering minds during stortytime?

Try a movement break, change the reading environment (blanket fort, anyone? Under the desks?), or introduce a hands-on element. My favorite? Combine reading with Makerspace-style builds! In the video, I explain how you can bring books to life through building, tinkering, and creating.

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

This Week's Reading Boost

📖 Reading Recommendation: Hilarious Would You Rather Writing Book for Kids!

📘 My brand-new interactive workbook is here!​
​Would You Rather…Write?!​
➡️ Available now on Amazon!​

This workbook is packed with 50 silly, thoughtful, and giggle-inducing prompts that kids actually want to write about—and they won’t even notice they’re practicing sentence writing and critical thinking!

Plus, it includes 5 bonus “Would You Rather Create?” STEM challenges where kids build wild inventions using stuff you already have at home.

Perfect for:
✔ Reluctant writers
✔ Screen-free family fun
✔ Summer learning that doesn’t feel like school
✔ Writing centers & homeschool warmups
✔ Parent gifts or teacher-to-parent recommendations!

How This Works in the Classroom:

This workbook is a great recommendation for parents who need something to motivate their child to write. (We all know those students who dread writing!) Would You Rather prompts inspire writing and make it fun!

You can even sign up as an Amazon affiliate and then make a little money off the sale of this book! That's a win-win!

Another idea is to grab a few here and put them into a center in your classroom. (You can even put plastic overlays on them and have kids write with a Vis-a-Viv marker to make the book last longer!)

This Week’s Resource Highlight

In this week's video, I share a free STEM story station focused on communication. I used Diary of a Worm as the premise for the challenge. The freebie is one STEM Story Station, but I have a pack of TEN in my Communication STEM Story Station Bundle.

In the bundle, I focus on ten books that focus on better communication. I offer 10 STEM challenges to go with the ten titles. This is a great resource to use inside of the classroom or at home.

Your Turn: Share the Joy!

I love hearing your real-life reading moments—whether it’s a breakthrough with a reluctant reader, a cozy storytime tradition, or a favorite silly book.

💌 Hit reply and tell me what’s working for your child or students.

Until We Read Again...

Here’s your weekly reminder: progress doesn’t always look like a finished chapter or a perfectly written sentence. Sometimes, it’s one giggle, one page, or one “Can we read this again?”

You’re doing amazing—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

With heart,
Trina
🧡 Helping kids love reading—one moment at a time