First up, thanks so much to everyone for their reception of the Writer’s Knowledge Database yesterday. I really appreciate it and am so glad you found it helpful! Please continue sending in any suggestions you’ve got for the resource.
My post today goes a little off my usual topics, although I think it’s still very important to writers…it’s about encouraging children to read.
It’s hard for many of us to imagine, because we were probably all avid readers when we were kids. But I have parents emailing me every month asking me for book recommendations or general recommendations for getting their children to read.
I’m lucky that both of my children enjoy reading. But I work hard talking to classrooms and other parents to try to encourage kids to read. There are so many other distractions these days and I want to ensure that there’s a next generation of readers and writers.
Again, this is an area where I’m not an expert, but something that I feel strongly about. While I was a traditional reader as a kid, I’m happy to think more outside the box in order to loop in new readers. If I’m talking to a school or a Scout group, I’m going to think of as many ways to tempt readers as I can. These are my tips and thoughts for encouraging kids to read:
Put books everywhere. I’ve even been known to stick Popular Science on the coffee table in front of the Xbox when my son’s friends are over. They will definitely leaf through it.
Scan book blogs to find YA releases and what’s hot for juvenile literature. Sometimes if their peers are reading the newest, coolest book it might pique their interest. And then maybe they’ll move on to other things.
Shel Silverstein for the kid who won’t read a book straight through.
Try non-fiction for the reader who can’t seem to get into a novel.
Challenged readers? Give them a book above their reading level…maybe a Harry Potter. And download the book onto your Ipod or MP3 player..and let them follow along in the book and gain confidence (and an increased vocabulary.)
Look for ‘Best of 2010 (and other years) lists. You’ll find an amazing list of recommendations for different types of books for children (and adults, too) at this site: Largehearted Boy.
Graphic novels have come a long way. You can now find beautiful graphic novel versions of major classical works, even. And there are series like the Bone series that create whole worlds for kids to explore.
Not getting anywhere with books? See if a download on a Kindle makes reading more interesting.
Pick up some picture books. I bring picture books home from the library every time I go and just leave them on the kitchen table. The kids (who would definitely say they’re too old for picture books) will still read them with a lot of enjoyment, savoring the pictures and words.
Sometimes reading aloud to children every night is the best or only solution to get them interested in a book. I’ve gotten my kids started several times on books that initially didn’t appeal to them by reading the story to them, then handing the book over when I got to an exciting part.
Magazines for children and teens are another way to sneak in some more reading for reluctant readers.
Know what your child most likes to read. And for the most reluctant of readers, know what they will read. Is there just one particular book that they really enjoyed? Look up that book on Amazon and books similar to that one will crop up in their “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” section.
Any other ideas or tips for encouraging our future readers to read?
I agree- reading is essential!
My tween is hooked on The Pretty Little Liars series! She loves the drama and suspense- just like her mother:)
Elizabeth – Thank you for this post. I’m such an ardent supporter of getting kids to read, and the research is very convincing. Kids who are exposed to reading early in life become readers later in life. They just do.
You’ve included some important tips and pieces of advice; I’d just like to add one or two. First, model reading. Read a lot. Read in front of your kids. Talk about books, talk about authors, and show ’em what you do when you’re stuck on the meaning of word, etc.. Second, (and this is really more for teachers, but still…)have a wide variety of books around, at different reading levels. Pick a variety of topics and cultural “leanings.”
Finally, I’m so glad you mentioned reading to young people. Read to a child from birth and s/he is more likely to grow up a reader.
I did the read and pass trick with my 21-year-old sister and got her to read the entire Twilight series off of 5 pages. It works like a charm at any age!
Reading means everything to me. As soon as my children could sit upright in my lap, I began reading to them. It was so much fun. And, I’ll brag a bit, both read on a sixth grade level in 2nd grade. Woot!
So important to encourage reading in children.
Mallory–It’s a good trick, isn’t it? Gets them hooked quickly!
This one always puzzles me. All my kids popped out of the womb reading (well, it seems that way). We used to pull into the driveway after a trip to the library, and they’d say, “I’m done with these. I need more books.”
And we all LOVED Where the Sidewalk Ends. When I was substitute teaching, I’d have a copy with me, and reading a poem (or 3) was a reward for good behavior.
The one tip I have in making transitions from “kid books” to those without pictures on every page — use short stories. Centerburg Tales got my kids into the more “grownup” books.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Very good tips. Both my kids are big readers. We read to them as wee ones. And always had books around the house, as well as magazines and newspapers. And we got them books, both our choices and theirs. They’re both still big readers. My son can consume a book overnight, a book that I would not understand, since he reads both fiction and non-fiction. I do think reading makes a huge difference in a person’s life.
I’ve been really trying to encourage my son to read more and it’s working. He’s recently acquired the White Fang collection and loves it! Great suggestions.
Great list of tricks! Reading time was never optional for my kids, but they both had times they resisted. My sone was originally won over with the graphic novels (Dragon Ball Z!). My daughter, anymore, really only wants to read the stuff popular with her friends, but she is very capable.
Great tips for encouraging readers. We had Shel Silverstein’s book at our house when my kids were little and we all read it avidly. We would take turns reading in different voices and turned it into performance art. Then a couple of my kids started making up silly little poems to recite. What fun. Thanks for stirring an old memory.
I think taking kids to the library regularly opens up a whole new world for them. Whether they are only interested in cars or Star Wars or puppies they can find all kinds of books on their topic.
That’s some good tricks. I should try to put some popular science magazines next to the Playstation >:)
Cold As Heaven
Tamika–I’ll have to check that series out! Sounds like something my daughter would love. :)
Margot–Good point about modeling. It’s important to read with, to, and in front of children. Also, as you pointed out, to have a variety of different types of materials available to them.
Helen–That actually presents a problem in itself! What to do when you have an avid reader who you can’t find *enough* books for. :)
Teresa–That’s exactly the way I feel, too. I hope other parents stress it as much as you do!
Clarissa–That’s a great series for boys. :)
Hart–There’s definitely a peer angle to it all, in regards to teens.
Jane–Good point! I love the library. And, when they get their own card, they feel so grown up. It really can help them to be interested in browsing books.
Cold As Heaven–Especially when friends are over! Because with some games they’ll have to take turns playing…and the one who isn’t playing can read the magazine.
Terry–That’s the way we’ve been here, but I’ve noticed there seems to be more non-readers around. I think that technological devices are making inroads into places where books used to be #1.
Great idea on the short stories. My dad always used to hand me short stories to read when I was growing up. I loved “The Necklace,” “The Lady or the Tiger,” and “The Lottery.” (Okay, “The Lottery” was a little grim, but…)
These are some great tips for encouraging young readers.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Maryann–Sounds like a fun place for a kid to grow up!
Nothing wrong with graphic novels – there’s still a great deal of reading involved.
Good points. This reminds me of how I describe one of my friends as very well read. He hasn’t touched a book in years, but he listens to as many audio books as I read physical books. I am also for getting kids to read graphic novels and comic books if they don’t like other books so much.
These are great tips. I think I have a great relationship with my kids because we read together so much when they were little, and they still read now. I think that we all go to bed with our favorite books, most nights. I also donate my books to teachers, libraries and second hand stores. (not our faves, though, I can’t part with those)
Alex–Exactly. And it’s not as daunting as a paper book, to some children.
Heidi–I feel like it doesn’t really matter what the format is…it’s just that it’s not a video game, it’s not a TV show…it’s a book. I love that your friend has “read” so many books!
Mary–I think those are my favorite memories…reading with the kids. And you’re right–it helps to make lifetime readers. :)
I’m spreading the word about the Writers Database — it’s an incredible resource, Elizabeth.
As for kids and books, I couldn’t agree more. Books are the only gifts I give to the kids in my life (at least once they’re past the stuffed animal stage…I do love stuffed animals).
I wanted to share a great list I found on books by genre that might tempt a reluctant reader at http://www.pragmaticmom.com/?p=15021
I hope this list helps a child discover a book (or series) that he or she loves!
Pragmatic Mom
Mason–Thanks so much!
Pragmatic Mom–Sorry it’s taken me a few days to respond! What a great list–thanks so much for sharing it.
Patricia–Thanks so much for spreading the news! And I couldn’t agree more–books are my favorite gifts..especially for children.
At birthday parties, I gift books to kids.
But I do know that is not going to get them reading- they need to see you reading, and need to have books around them to develop the habit.