Of all the tasks that teachers and parents have to battle against, getting tweens and teens to put down their devices and pick up a book is among the most difficult.
So how does anyone get someone to read? Is it recommending something you liked that you think they will like? Or is it force-feeding them something that is good for them?
The secret here is not really a secret at all – it all comes down to presentation.
“You should be reading the classics, they’re good for you!” is just as effective as putting brussel sprouts on the table for dessert. The way reading is presented to a child is just as important as the reading material itself.
Many parents rack their brains trying to source and pitch the materials that they think might suit their children, but the best place to begin is a conversation about what they are currently reading – even if it is just social media feeds. Have they read anything at school in any of their subjects that was interesting?
Let this branch into a conversation about their likes and dislikes, what they’re curious about or fascinated by. Once you have a topic, it’s time to let them browse an online bookstore to pick a title. Receiving a parcel with their name on it is an instant winner. You could even encourage them to pick two books on the same topic that are totally different in form, style or length.
Tips to encourage reading
Sit and share – Next, it’s time to sit and share. You need to make the time to learn to love reading as a family.
Put aside a time of the week when you’re all able to relax and read, device-free time to flick through your reading pages. If you get desperate, aim for the hour before dessert (or Netflix) to ensure that even the least intrinsically motivated teen has an extrinsic motivator to give it a go.
Music – Put a relaxing playlist on in the background and settle on the couch for a good book – together.
No devices – ‘Devices down’ time also opens the possibilities of conversations about what’s happening in each of their books while they’re reading. It doesn’t even need to be in the same room, everyone can find their own nook. I would even suggest all phones going into a dedicated box to mitigate any sneaky peeks at pages that spoils it for them!
If you’re unsure about which texts best support the ability and needs of your children, speaking to your child’s English teacher, school librarian or literacy coordinator at their school is a great place to start!
There are also online tools like Education Perfect to run a Reading Comprehension diagnostic test or set some lessons that will provide in-depth data about your child’s key competencies and areas that need more time to develop.
Breadth of texts is important, yes, and this will come with time. Not many children eat brussel sprouts or pick up Shakespeare for fun. After all, reading is an acquired taste that improves with a slow, steady introduction and a series of positive enjoyable experiences.
By Erini Christopoulos, Head of English Australia & Teacher Consultant at Education Perfect
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