Kids and teenagers these days have so many distractions from learning and reading – there are games, social media and screens everywhere which can make reading books seem a bit boring. So, why not ease reluctant readers into it with book to film adaptions?
- How do you deal with frustrated readers?
- How can we encourage reluctant readers?
- Our top five screen adaptations to kickstart their interest
Entice them through the screen and book adaptions and they’ll be having a good read in no time…
How do you deal with frustrated readers?
Some of us love nothing more than relaxing with a good book, but for some children, reading is the worst activity. These kids hate reading – they find it boring, or they don’t see the point when there are televisions and games to play. But reading is a super important skill they need to learn to improve literacy and their opportunities later in life, so encouraging a love of reading should be a priority.
FACT TIME: Did you know that the longer children keep an enjoyment of reading going, the greater the benefits are in the classroom and in their later lives? National Literacy Trust
There are ways you can help these frustrated readers to think books are ok and to enjoy reading.
- Figure out why they are frustrated or disengaged. Are they struggling with words? Do they like the subject? Is the book too advanced?
- Speak to them about what things they enjoy or would like to learn.
- Tell them it’s ok and reassure them that a lot of people struggle.
- Teach them a few coping techniques such as counting to ten to calm down, or sounding out the word.
- Be positive – help them understand that they’re doing well and praise them when they complete a book or advance.
You can find some other advice on helping frustrated readers here.
How can we encourage reluctant readers?
Once you’ve uncovered the issues and they’re working through their frustrations, it’s a good time to start encouraging them to read more:
- Choose subjects and books they’re interested in
- Graphic novels may offer visual stimulation and short-form text for those with shorter attention spans
- Try larger print books for an easy-to-read option
- Find relatable characters
These simple changes may help them to read more, but you’ll still be contending with the screens, especially with a lot of us still working and learning from home. There are ways you can limit and manage screen time, but one out-of-the-box way to pull them from the screen is with book adaptions.
Why not start by watching the film or tv version, then try reading the book to see the differences? You can find collections of books which have film or tv adaptions online to start you off.
You can talk about which they liked more, what they wish had been included or left out. This method will aid their understanding and comparative skills. It could also improve their observational skills and help them make connections. It’s an unusual and fun way to encourage their reading and development.
Our top five screen adaptations to kickstart their interest
Here we’ve collected our five favourite book-to-film adaptions. Some are excellent and stay true to the books, but others aren’t as honest and deviate considerably.
Five book-to-film adaptions for reluctant readers
Based on Matilda by Roald Dahl (1988)
This is an oldie, but a goodie. It’s a timeless tale of a neglected daughter and the trials she faces once she discovers her magical powers. It follows the original story structure and has all of Roald Dahl’s classic cartoon-like fantasy and somewhat scary scenes, yet the location is different, as are parts of the ending.
Based on His Dark Materials Trilogy by Phillip Pullman (1995-2000)
Unlike the film adaption, this TV series has been praised for honouring and capturing the feel of the original books. It’s visually stunning, full of fantasy, peril and adventure – everything you want out of a magical tv show. The first series covers most of Book 1: The Northern Lights. We travel along with young Lyra as she searches for her friend Roger and hundreds of other missing children with a group of friends and magical creatures, including her own dæmon Pantalaimon and a boy from another world.
Based on The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (2005)
Most were excited when they heard that an adaption of the first Percy Jackson and the Olympians book was happening. It’s a well-liked and inclusive coming of age story about a young boy who discovers his father is Poseidon. He is sent to live and train with other ‘Half-Bloods’ at camp before questing to find Zeus’s missing Master Lightning Bolt and clear his name. However, the film itself misses out large parts of the story and character development, it ages up characters significantly and misses out antagonists. Even the author dislikes it, but it is two hours of modern-day Greek God fun and fantasy which could lead to a new love for the books.
Based on: The Paddington Bear stories by Michael Bond
This award-winning adaption isn’t based on one book, but rather the much-loved bear in general. The film stays true to Paddington’s origins including his love of marmalade and his classic outfit and personality, but this film places him in a new situation instead. It’s a brilliant and heart-warming introduction to a classic character.
Based on: The Illustrated Mum by Jacqueline Wilson (1999)
Following young Dolphin and Star as they cope with their manic depressive and tattooed mother, this is a Children’s BAFTA award-winning adaption of an award-winning book. Dealing with real-life issues, mental health, learning difficulties and single-parent families, it’s a true-to-book adaption of a situation many children will be able to relate to.
These book to film adaptions are a good way to start getting reluctant readers going again, but make sure you follow through and talk about the differences too. The key is to engage them and work out how can we encourage reluctant readers to continue and enjoy reading books in the future.
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