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During my author visits for both elementary and middle school, I talk to students about the importance of reading, and I ask them about things they would not be able to do if they could not read well.  If your child is not so thrilled about reading, there are ways to encourage him without being forceful:

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1. Have that special, comfy place in the house where you read together, with no distractions. Make reading time %100 positive and special.
2. Read a simple, funny book together.
3. When your child is young, don’t concentrate too much on the content. It does not have to be purely educational. Rather it can be entertaining. It is more important that he just finds reading fun.
4. If your child has a hobby or plays a sport, have him read about that or his favorite athlete.
5. Don’t limit reading to books only. Comic books, magazines and old letters might interest a reluctant reader.
6. Start a conversation with your child about a topic she finds interesting. Then check a book out about it from the library. Read it together, taking turns.
7. Let your child see you reading – and enjoying it – often.
8. Tell your kids about your favorite stories growing up, and why you like them so much.
9. Take your child to the library or bookstore for story time.
10. Talk to your child about the benefits of reading. (i.e. entertainment and learning to do so many things.)
11. Ask your (not too young) child to read instructions to you while you are busy with your hands fixing something.
12. Make handmade bookmarks together. It is easy and fun and your kid will want to use it!
13. Find out if there is a Reading Dog program at your child’s school or public library. Kids can read to specially-trained service dogs, and the results can be phenomenal. The dogs love it, and the kids do not feel insecure when they struggle with words.
14. If you suspect your child actually has a reading disability, talk to her teacher and find out how she can be tested for it by the school. Then find out what special programs are available.