How to Get RELUCTANT READERS to Read!

by Brian Tolentinoon May 1, 2024April 8, 2025

“I hate reading.”
That’s what many of my students say.

But I don’t buy it.

What they really hate is the frustration that comes from not understanding what they read.
They don’t hate reading—they just haven’t built the focus or confidence to enjoy it yet.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:
Most students today don’t read enough to build stamina.
They lose focus quickly because they haven’t had the chance to develop it.

And when they hit a word or sentence they don’t understand?
They panic. They cheat. Or they grab their phones and check out.

What they’re missing is the ability to push through the productive struggle—that sweet spot where growth actually happens.

That’s why I created these QUICK READ activities:
To help students build the FOCUS and CONFIDENCE they need to become readers.

And by “readers,” I don’t mean people who spend their weekends reading Mark Twain for fun (though props to them).
I mean students who are willing to engage with a text—who stick with it when it gets tough, and who trust themselves enough to figure it out.

Because when students develop focus and confidence, they become self-directed learners.
And that’s the ultimate goal.

They can chase their interests. Explore new ideas. Learn on their own terms.

So how do I reach those “reluctant readers”?
I meet them where they are:

Short texts.
High-interest topics.
Straightforward questions that build comprehension.
And whenever possible, a video to bring the reading to life.

Think of it like putting the ball on a tee.
We’re setting them up to succeed—to get that first hit, that first win.

And you know what? It works.

These activities have been game-changers for helping students develop the focus and confidence they need to read—and to keep reading.

What follows are the exact resources and strategies I use.
I hope they help you as much as they’ve helped me.

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