Most parents would agree that developing a love for reading is something that they want for their children. However, not all children are avid readers. In fact, the percentage of pre-teens and tweens who read regularly for pleasure has decreased in recent years, despite the growth in the adolescent literature genre. But take heart, all is not lost. Learning to love books is still a possibility for all children, no matter what their age or reading ability.
Consider Your Child's Interests
According to Reading Is Fundamental in the RIF Parent Guide Brochure, parents should "scout for things children might like", and "should use their interests or hobbies" to entice children to read. Although you may have loved Nancy Drew books as a child, this doesn’t mean that your child will find them appealing. In fact, the more a parent presses the issue, the more likely your child will be to refuse. That is why parents should consider their children's interests when recommending reading material.
Be Aware of Reading Levels
If your child struggles with reading, you should find reading material that is accessible to him. Material that is too difficult will cause your child to feel as though he is failing, and will dissuade further attempts at reading. However, literature whose content is meant for younger children will further impress upon your child feelings of inferiority. Consider Hi-Low books, or high interest/low reading level books. The content will interest your child, and the reading level will be accessible.
Subscribe to Magazines or Newspapers
Reading is reading. If a child does not have confidence in his or her reading abilities, or has trouble focusing on a large piece of literature for too long, present him or her with a magazine subscription that caters to his or her interests. This will allow your child to feel successful about his ability to read in a short period of time. The feeling of success will, in turn, be its own motivator for future reading.
Model Good Behavior
The model you provide by reading speaks much louder to your child than any threatened punishment or enticement that you can imagine. Choose a time of day, or a night during the week, when the television, computer, and video games are put away so that the entire family can read at the same time.
Each person should feel free to occupy his or her own space, but everyone should read at the same time. You will enjoy the peace and quiet, and your children will value the opportunity to unplug for a while – although they may not readily admit this.
Talk About What You Are Reading
If you have read an interesting article or book, share it with your child. Discuss the content and suggest that she take a look at it. Inquire as to what is being read at school and pick up your own copy so that you can discuss plot developments as they unfold. If you have subscribed to magazines for your child, read a few of the articles in each issue and begin a conversation about the articles that you have read.
Take It Easy
One of the trickiest parts about adolescents is their fickle nature. Understand that there is a chance that, because you have recommended it, a particular title may be instantaneously disliked. Additionally, if you offer too many options at once, your child will likely feel overwhelmed and not make a choice. Therefore, take heart and invest on a long term journey toward teaching your child to love to read. The payoff is priceless.
Alice Bowman - I am a Freelance writer, English educator and supervisor in a junior/senior high school with students from grades seven through twelve. ...
