EDUCATION by Janeen Lewis
Hook a Book Lover 10 Clever Ways to Get Kids to Read One of the most important things parents can do is raise a reader. Successful reading leads to successes in academics and gives kids a solid start in life. In fact, recent research shows that kids who read at least 15 minutes a day have accelerated reading gains. But no matter how diligent parents are at supporting reading, sometimes kids resist. Books have to compete with those oh-so-scintillating devices, video games and TV streaming apps.
Why not shake things up a bit and try some stealthy ways to hook a book lover? The following te ideas are sure to win over the most reluctant reader.
1.
Free Stuff! If your kids don’t believe you, ask Siri or Google “free stuff kids can earn by reading” and oodles of free items will pop up. By merely recording the titles they are reading, my own children have earned these things free: Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizzas, frozen yogurt, books from Barnes and Noble, and amusement park tickets. One time my son turned in the most reading logs in our local summer reading program and got to be interviewed on the radio by a DJ. She gave him a basket of goodies including movie tickets for our whole family.
2.
Let the books out. Don’t cage them up on the shelves! When my son was eight, he announced that he didn’t want to read non-fiction books because they bored him. I checked out a big stack of nonfiction titles from the library and in my most nonchalant voice said, “You don’t have to read these, but I think I will. They seem very interesting.” I strategically placed the books throughout the house, concentrating on his favorite places. That kid read every book by the end of the week. Research shows that kids from print-rich homes are better readers, but it helps if the books, magazines and newspapers are out where kids can see them. Put bins and baskets of books in the bathroom, in the car, and spread out books with inviting covers all over hard surfaces in your home.
3.
Reward with extra bedtime reading. Have you noticed that your child who has a plague-like aversion to reading during the day suddenly develops a fondness for reading when it’s time for bed? Why not embrace this motivation and let your child earn extra reading time at bedtime? If he or she reads for a specified amount of time or reads a certain number of books, extend lights out for a few minutes -- as long as your child spends that time reading.
4.
Make your book nook the envy of the neighborhood. Think: tent with twinkle lights. Plump pillows.
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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • March 2020
