Reading: Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read
By Michele Blandino
The importance of reading cannot be overestimated. For older readers, picking up a book on a regular basis maintains mental acuity, encourages relaxation and provides opportunities for continued learning. For children and teens, regular reading will help in vocabulary development, spelling skills, and helps to nurture their growing imagination. Some experts even link proficiency in math and problem solving skills with good reading habits.
What Keeps Kids from Reading?
Yet, despite all the important benefits that can be derived from regular reading, many children will purposely avoid picking up a book. There are a number of reasons, however, the lack of time created by numerous after school activities combined with the appeal of video games, computers and television are the most common culprits.
Given all the activities competing for a child's attention, it is often difficult to encourage a child to occasionally forgo time at the computer or a favorite television show in favor of reading, regardless of its importance. Moreover, many parents mistakenly think their child's reluctance to read is caused by some type of learning problem and turn to costly tutoring or enrichment programs to address the problem.
While these types of programs are certainly appropriate for children with bona fide learning problems, they will not solve the problems faced by children who simply are not interested in reading. So, before you invest in a supplemental reading program for your child, try some of these quick and easy strategies to gently nudge your child into reading.
For Younger Readers
Many young children avoid reading because they simply find the material available to be too difficult. Encourage these readers by starting with books that are a level below their ability. This will help build confidence and maintain interest.
For the more accomplished reader, get a library card in their name and make regular trips to check out books. Try to plan your visits during a time when you are not rushed so that your child has as much time as they need to make their selections.
Some children may only be enticed to read if the subject matter is of interest to them. A good way to start is to buy (or borrow) some books covering a particular hobby or interest. For example, if your child likes baseball, then a baseball themed story may pique their interest; likewise, a child interested in superheroes may enjoy reading comic books. The key here isn't so much what the child is reading, but simply the fact that they are reading.
For Middle School and High School Readers
Admittedly, encouraging pre-teens and teenagers to read can be a little more problematic, but not totally impossible. Like younger readers, teens will be more attracted to material that is of interest to them. Given the busy schedules most teens maintain these days, shorter works may be better suited such as those found in anthologies and magazines.
In extreme cases, it may be beneficial to begin an incentive based reading program for your pre-teen or teen reader in which a pre-determined goal is established (such as a certain number of books read over a specific timeframe or a minimum amount of time spent reading each day or week) and a reward given when the goal is achieved.
For Readers of All Ages
As a parent, it is important that you set a good example. Chances are that if your child sees you reading on a regular basis, they will be more inclined to do the same. It may also help to have plenty of reading material scattered throughout the house and in the car (particularly if you spend a lot of time traveling between activities). It is not necessary to limit your child's reading to books; magazines and newspapers provide opportunities for quick, light reading which may be more attractive to busy children.