Getting Your Tween or Teen to Read

Is there anything sweeter than cuddling with your child while enjoying a book?  I have three children under the age of 6, and we love to read together. I try to create a family culture of reading and instill a love of reading in my littles.  What happens when they get older, though?

As a middle school English teacher, I’ve heard it hundreds of times:  “I don’t know what happened.  He used to love to read.  Now I can’t get him to pick up a book!” Parents ask me if they should enroll their child in a reading program, hire a tutor, or use video games as bribery.  I even had a parent dangle a cruise as a reading incentive!

Besides being expensive, these methods are also usually ineffective at truly inspiring an older child to become a lifelong reader.  What works, then?  Here are some tips for getting your tween or teen to read:

1. Be a Reader Yourself

Despite what they may tell you, tweens and teens do look up to their parents as role models.  So, sit down and read.  Let them see you with a book or newspaper each day.  Designate a portion of each night as a “no electronics” family time.  You can use this time to read a family novel, read through the Bible together, or have older children read to younger siblings. Make reading goals for yourself and share them with your family. When you prioritize reading, your child will notice.

2. Listen to Books

Most parents (including me!) spend a significant chunk of each day in our cars with our children.  Make a no-headphones policy and put in an audio book instead.  This can also lead to fruitful family discussions, inside jokes, and shared experiences.  Check your local library for free audio books or follow blogs that share free downloads.

3. Get to Know Your Child’s Teacher/ Librarian

Unless you specialize in young adult literature, it can be hard to dig through the plethora of books out there.  But, your child’s English teacher and librarian can and regularly do.  Use them as resources!  I read dozens of young adult novels each year so that I can make recommendations to my students and share lists with parents.  Send a quick e-mail to a teacher or ask during parent-teacher conferences.  Most teachers will be thrilled to share their knowledge with you!

4. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

Did you have a book that you couldn’t put down in junior high or high school?  Share it with your child!  Introduce them to Anne of Green Gables, Tom Sawyer, The Outsiders, The Giver, or whatever book helped you through your teen years. What better way to make a connection than to share a book that impacted your life.

These simple tips may help rekindle the joy in reading that we all hope to see in our children.

(Linked to Pintastic Party Way Back Wednesdays.)