FAMILY MATTERS
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Raising Readers: Tips for Motivating Kids and Teens to Read BY MARY CAMPBELL
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n our world of instant digital gratification, it can be difficult to motivate children and teens to read. When younger children are learning to read, the novelty of discovering a new book is often enough to keep them motivated. As they grow older, their enthusiasm may dwindle as schoolwork, sports, and screen time takes priority. However, reading is a critical part of childhood development. Various studies have shown that children who regularly read for pleasure perform better at school, as it improves memory, concentration, critical thinking, and language skills. Reading also allows kids to develop empathy and imagination, and it broadens their knowledge of the world. Some kids naturally love to read, but others would prefer to do almost anything else and require a bit more encouragement. Screens can also prove to be a major distraction, since they provide so many other attractive options instantly, from social media and gaming to bingewatching movies and series. Initially, motivating kids to read may take a bit of effort, but a few simple tips can help to develop their love of reading for life.
Explore Their Interests Find reading materials that cover your child's interests and passions, or even movie choices. Encourage older kids and teens to choose their own books and reading materials, without criticizing their choices. YA (young adult) novels address issues that resonate with teens, from relationship battles to peer pressure and struggles with parents. The easier it is for kids to relate to what they're reading, the more they'll read. So many great books have recently been made into popular films and series. Encourage teens to read print versions before or after watching movie adaptations and then compare notes on which was better, or what was different or similar. Provide a Variety of Reading Materials Some kids may feel intimidated or bored by books, so provide different reading matter that suits their interests and reading level. This could be in the form of comics, joke books, recipe books, graphic novels, poetry or even listening to audiobooks. Car drives or long journeys can provide a great opportunity to listen to audiobooks, especially since they can
download their own selections onto their devices. If older kids and teens enjoy keeping up with current events, subscribe to magazines, newspapers and blogs and discuss what they're reading with them. Encourage them to try different genres and find a compelling book series to keep them engaged. Set a Reading Schedule Create a regular reading schedule that suits your child's lifestyle and concentration level. Younger kids may lack the concentration to read for extended periods, but they should be able to manage ten to fifteen minutes a day. A cozy reading nook helps to encourage little ones to settle down to read by themselves. Plan a regular time where you read to your kids, and ask them to read to you too. Older kids may find it difficult to fit reading time in daily, but maybe they can schedule an hour or two over weekends. Compulsory family reading times can also help to foster a regular reading habit. Create Reading Incentives Carefully Setting incentives can motivate kids to read until the joy of reading becomes its own reward. Completed reading logs that
are rewarded with small prizes such as stickers and sweets work for younger children, but the goal is always to perpetuate an intrinsic love for reading. Often, when the prizes are stopped, the reading stops too, so use extrinsic rewards carefully. Screen time can be used as a reward for older kids and teens who resist reading. Use library visits as a reward for children who are starting to enjoy reading, or create a book allowance that they may only spend on reading material. It's important to make sure that your child is reading at the right level of difficulty. If they're reading books that are too difficult, it can discourage them to read at all, but if they're reading material that's not challenging enough, boredom may set in. Tempt older teens to read adult books too, especially ones that you've read so that you can share ideas and reviews. Motivating children to read is a process of modeling consistent reading habits as well as encouraging them to find material that resonates with them as they grow and change. A passion for reading will provide your kids with a lifetime of learning, connection, and creativity.l
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