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!
Episodes
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 bo...
Does your child fidget, rush through books, or lose focus after just a few pages? You're not alone—and no, your child isn’t lazy or “bad at reading.” The real challenge may be reading stamina—and the good news? It’s a skill they can build!
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares practical, low-pressure strategies to help kids stay engaged with books longer—without battles, bribes, or bu...
Is your child starting to lose interest in reading? If they push back when it’s time to pick up a book—even after they’ve learned to read on their own—you’re not alone. Many parents stop reading aloud once kids become independent readers, but that’s a mistake.
In this heartfelt episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how reviving the read-aloud tradition helped reconnect her son to books—and how you...
Reading gets real in elementary school. Around 3rd or 4th grade, many kids shift from learning to read to reading to learn—but not every child makes that transition smoothly. This stage is where confidence can soar… or where frustration, fluency struggles, and disinterest take root.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook breaks down what strong reading looks like from Kindergarten through 4th grad...
Did you know your child starts developing reading skills long before they open their first book? From birth to preschool, kids are absorbing language, rhythm, and vocabulary—laying the foundation for a lifetime of reading success. But what should you be doing during this stage? And how can you support your child’s learning without pressure or overwhelm?
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook break...
Feel like reading is a luxury you don’t have time for? Between parenting, work, and a never-ending to-do list, curling up with a book can feel impossible. But what if reading didn’t have to be one more thing on your plate—and instead became a simple way to recharge, de-stress, and set an inspiring example for your kids?
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares practical, low-pressure ways to ...
Does your child’s reading routine fall apart over school breaks? Whether it’s summer vacation, winter break, or long weekends, keeping kids engaged with books can be tough—but it doesn’t have to feel like homework!
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares easy, fun, and low-pressure ways to keep reading in your child’s routine—even when life gets busy. From travel-friendly ideas to screen-fre...
Are your child’s books collecting dust? Do they insist there’s “nothing to read” even though your shelves are full? You’re not alone—and the solution doesn’t mean buying more books! With a simple book rotation system, you can make your home library feel fresh, fun, and engaging all over again.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, host Ellen Westbrook shares how to organize, rotate, and display books in a way th...
Struggling to find a book your child actually wants to read? You're definitely not alone! Many parents face resistance when suggesting books—and picking the wrong one can turn reading into a chore. But the right book? It can spark curiosity, build confidence, and turn reading into something your child actually looks forward to.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast, hos Ellen Westbrook shares how to take the...
Does reading feel like another task on your family's to-do list? Between screens, busy schedules, and after-school activities, and packed schedules, books can easily take a backseat. But what if reading became a natural, enjoyable part of your family's daily routine—without battles or bribes?
In this Episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, host Ellen Westbrook introduces the 5B's framework—five simple strat...
Does your child avoid books, complain about reading, or act completely uninterested—no matter what you try? You may have a reluctant reader...but you're not alone, and there's plenty you can do to help.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, host Ellen Westbrook (a former reluctant reader herself) breaks down:
☑️ What it really means to be a reluctant reader
☑️ The 3 most common types of reluctant readers...
Welcome to the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast! I'm your host, Ellen Westbrook and I'm so excited to share what's coming soon.
I can't wait to help you transform your child's reading journey from dread to must-be read—all while rediscovering family reading fun.
Every Thursday, I'll bring you quick, practical strategies to help your child build skills, gain confidence, stay engaged, and actually enjoy ...
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