Earlier this year, “The New Yorker” reported that teenagers might be exposed to more words than ever before, but they are not reading seriously. Even worse, kids aren’t even ashamed that they are not reading. Most children are very busy between school, homework, sports, job, friendships, listening to music, watching television and texting. It doesn’t leave much time for a book that is printed in black and white and leaves them unconnected to the outside world. This is why it is more important than ever to take the time to begin reading to your child in 2017.
Some e-readers are working on interactive books that allow readers to explore the world of the book while on the screen. However, it takes time to develop the technology and to incorporate different elements into a book. Until that time, it’s important that parents and mentors help children find the value in reading. One of the first things you can do is to model reading yourself. Instead of looking at your smartphone or television all the time, you should be picking up a book and finding enjoyment while reading.
Instilling a Love of Reading in Children
A good way to make sure your children love books is to read to them when they are young. There are many benefits associated with reading out loud to young children:
- Stronger relationships
- Better communication skills
- Logical thinking skills
- Master of language
- Improved speech skills
- Academic excellence
Moms and dads both should read to children. Ask questions about the book, both factual and abstract. A factual question might be, “Do you see the lion?” while an abstract question would be more like, “Do you remember when we went to the zoo? What was your favorite animal?” These questions help with cognitive development in children. Abstract questions are found to be more beneficial in helping a child think more effectively, but the benefits really come from the time you spend with the child.
Getting Your Teen to Read, make it Fun!
Of course, if your teenager has forgotten those lessons about reading, you are going to have to be subtle in helping them find enjoyment in a book. Start out by choosing topics the teen will enjoy. Look for short articles that you can read very quickly to your child. Then talk about the article. You could do this over a mealtime. Tell the child you read something today that you thought he or she might enjoy. Instead of handing the article to the teen, read it aloud.
In the car, listen to an audiobook. Choose a treasure hunt or adventure that will keep the child engaged throughout the story. You may want to start small; “The Princess Bride” is a better choice than “Lord of the Rings.” Just listen to one chapter on a short trip with your child. Every time you get in the car, listen to one more chapter. Make one evening a week reading time and games. Get everyone together, and turn off the television and phones. Read a short story out loud. Then have game time and talk about the story. Make it fun, not a chore.
Look for offbeat books that intrigue a teenager. The dark stories of Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley and Kurt Vonnegut appeal to teenagers who are trying to find their place in the adult world. Make books important to your child so that they want to turn off their screens for a few minutes every evening to find stories that expand their world. Help your child find the enjoyment in reading that opens the door to their imagination. Abraham Lincoln said, “A capacity, and taste, for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.” If you have high expectations for your child, you have to make sure he or she has a love of reading.