Benefits of Different Reading Materials for Struggling Readers
Do you have struggling readers in your classroom? Why not try different reading materials such as graphic novels, non-fiction books or magazines? A new format could be the very thing your students need to develop more interest in reading.
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Benefits of Different Reading Materials for Struggling Readers​
There are many different types of children's books. If your child is a reluctant reader, why not try graphic novels, non-fiction books or magazines. A new format could be the very thing they need to develop more interest in reading.
Below you will find a rundown of the benefits of each type of reading types, including:
- Picture Books
- Beginning Chapter Books
- Chapter Books
- Graphic Novels
- Non-Fiction Books
- Magazines
- Audiobooks
1. Picture Books
Picture books provide an engaging experience for anyone of any age. They may seem like they are only for the young, but many have powerful messages for anyone to appreciate. Illustrations are integral to picture books. If we read aloud picture books the listener can absorb the message of the story through the pictures.
Benefits of PICTURE BOOKS for struggling readers include:
- introducing the concept of reading and increasing vocabulary knowledge.Â
- supporting understanding new words through illustrations.
- encouraging conversation and discussion skills.
- strengthening visual and critical thinking skills by helping your students connect their observations with their thought process.
- developing art appreciation through the illustrations.
- promoting self-confidence as the reader has control over the pacing, including stopping to look at the illustrations, revisiting previous pages and pausing.
- introducing complex or difficult themes in a safe environment. There is probably a picture book written about any topic you can imagine!
- improving writing skills as exposure to new words, grammar and punctuation will find their way into independent writing.
- encouraging love and joy of reading!!
2. Beginning Chapter Books
Easy readers or beginning chapter books are created for emerging independent readers. The books have illustrations, supported by the carefully chosen text. They also introduce children to a range of genres seen in chapter books and develop patience as they can’t always be read in one session.
Benefits of BEGINNING CHAPTER BOOKS for struggling readers include:
- ease the transition to chapter books.
- increasingly complex vocabulary and sentence structure.
- lengthier texts broken into easy-to-digest chapters.
- illustrations that add detail and help hold interest.
- illustrations that help the reader decode unknown words through comprehension.
3. Chapter Books
As your students become confident, independent readers they move onto chapter books. They have few or no illustrations and the choice of books and genres grows significantly from easy reader books. They have more complex themes and vocabulary which makes comprehension crucial.
Benefits of CHAPTER BOOKS for struggling readers include:
- developing imagination as the reader visualises the characters, places and adventures, etc.
- developing creativity to predict and infer events and actions.
- improving patience as chapter books take time to read. Also, waiting for the next book in a series requires patience.
- independence of choosing own books in their favourite genres.
- reading independently at the readers own pace.
- increasing comprehension because of complexity and lack of illustrations.
4. Graphic Novels
Graphic novels promote literacy and improve self-esteem. Some children find traditional chapter books frustrating because of the length and more complex storytelling. The graphic novel format gives children confidence while increasing reading and language skills. Finishing and enjoying a graphic novel can lead to a sense of accomplishment for a reluctant reader.
Benefits of GRAPHIC NOVELS for struggling readers include:
- helping those struggling with language acquisition to gain new vocabulary and increase English proficiency.
- improving reading pace as the reader can slow down to look at the images alongside the text leading to improved comprehension.
- developing critical reading skills as illustrations provide contextual clues to understand the written narrative.
- using a range of literary devices, including narrative structures, metaphors and symbolism, point of view, alliteration, inference and the use of puns.
- supporting visual learners to understand the emotional context through facial expressions, comprehending the meaning and foreshadowing from the illustrations.
