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
🎧Love the podcast? Hit the 5⭐to leave a rating & review!
It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
Resources:
Follow on Instagram
Follow the Facebook Page
Join the Engaging Reluctant Readers Tribe (Facebook Group)
Follow on Pinterest
Subscribe to the Engaging Reluctant Readers YouTube Channel
✨Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle today!
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com