No More "I Hate Reading!"—Fun, Easy Ways to Bring Books to Life for Kids Artwork

Engaging Reluctant Readers

Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent.

Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way.

As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works.

You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration.

Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate.

Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!

All Episodes

Engaging Reluctant Readers

No More "I Hate Reading!"—Fun, Easy Ways to Bring Books to Life for Kids

June 26, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 10

Does your child resist reading—or claim it’s just plain boring? You’re not alone. Many kids see books as “work” instead of play—but the magic of storytelling isn’t lost… it just needs a little boost!

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares creative, low-prep ways to transform storytime from “ugh” to “yay!” Learn how silly voices, props, cozy spaces, and playful reading strategies can make books feel like a game instead of a chore—no acting skills (or glitter crafts) required!

What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why some kids disengage from reading—and how to change that
✔ Simple ways to make reading fun with no-pressure activities
✔ How to bring stories to life using character voices, props, and acting
✔ Tips for creating creative reading spaces kids want to be in
✔ The real goal: helping kids experience stories, not just read words

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:00:50] Why some kids resist reading—and what helps

[00:02:32] Playful reading = better focus and comprehension

[00:03:39] Using silly voices to make characters come alive

[00:04:19] Props and sound effects to boost immersion

[00:04:58] Acting out scenes makes books feel like play

[00:06:29] Flashlight stories, changing up location and theme, and adventure setups

[00:08:19] When playful reading helps reignite interest

[00:09:06] Interactive books to try + reading from new perspectives

[00:12:23] Sneak peek of next week’s episode

📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/06/26/make-reading-fun-for-kids/

📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/LqOpeG74iCk

✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle with 164 creative reading ideas!
📥 Get it here → https://bit.ly/RBLBundle

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