Studies find that kids with a zest for reading acquire
stronger vocabulary and writing skills and a better understanding of human
nature and different cultures. Unfortunately by age 8, many children,
especially boys, are less likely to read for pleasure as their interests turn
to friends, video games and other activities.
Motivate your child to read by appealing to his
personality and interests.
Read aloud
Continue reading together even after your child can read
independently. Model fluency — a critical reading skill that enables us to read
quickly and accurately with proper expression. Lack of fluency often fuels
reading frustrations, which can affect learning as children advance to the
upper grades where reading demands increase. Besides, this is just a great way
to bond!
Evaluate
Together, explore a story’s themes and difficult
situations. Invite your child to critique and discuss how the story applies to
the world as she knows it.
Tell a story
Recall a favorite tale or share a personal experience.
Storytelling nurtures early literacy, helps with comprehension and reflects your
values. Plus, research finds storytelling increases the overall well-being and
happiness of families.
Consider
non-fiction
Explore different genres with your child. “Children often
say they don’t like to read because they’ve only read things chosen for them by
others," says librarian Helma Hawkins. “Find a subject your child is
interested in and then find a selection of books or magazines on that subject
and let her choose.”
Make ’em laugh
You may not care for Captain Underpants’ humor or Junie
B. Jones’ grammar, but these books often leave kids roaring for more.
“We read Junie B. Jones in the classroom and use the
inappropriate things she says as teaching moments: ‘What could she have said?’”
says Jill Conard, a first grade teacher. “We talk about bullying behavior and
ways to create peace-building.” Unsure if your child is ready for a particular
book? Read it first to decide if it's developmentally appropriate.
Appeal to their
social side
Start a kids book club or see if your library hosts one.
“Peers are instrumental in getting kids to read. If their friends are talking
about books they like to read, that will motivate kids to read, too,” says Pam
Rousselo, a fourth grade teacher.
Fan the flame
Hook your child onto a series or a specific author.
Legions of young fans rally around series like My Weird School, The Magic Tree House, Harry Potter and Little House on the Prairie. Comic
books count, too!
READ MORE: Keep kids learning during summer
Subscribe to
magazines
Kids love to get mail! Kids magazines cover topics
ranging from current events, wildlife and science to sports and fashion.
Motivate through
incentives
Set goals and reward your child’s reading efforts with a
special outing or treat.
Tap the web
School and library websites frequently offer interactive
reading programs. Visit author websites and search for online companions to
traditionally published books like The Magic Tree House series, which feature
interactive, educational games to supplement the stories.
Another resource, guysread.com offers ideas to inspire
boys to read.
Read on the go
Download audio books to your child’s MP3 player and he
can listen while he shoots hoops. You can find ten great sites for free kids' audio books at weareteachers.com.
Share your
e-reader
According to a 2012 study in the International Journal of
Applied Science and Technology, upper elementary and middle school children,
especially boys, read more books when provided with an e-reader. The e-readers
provide privacy (no one needs to know your child’s reading level), they're
light-weight and the book is readily accessible at all times.
Get creative
Carie Beth Russell, an educator and mom of two, has her
daughters rewrite dialogue, plots and settings by covering picture book text
with sticky notes.
“Ask your kids to draw while you read aloud. Visualizing
the story is a skill that must be acquired," Russell says.
Be a role model
Set aside daily quiet time for family reading. Create a
peaceful and cozy reading nook in your home with a comfy chair and blanket.
“Laugh out loud at literature. Cry. Let your kids see you
be moved and transported by text,” Russell says. “Join a book club and let them
see that you value books by the way you spend your time. Buy lots and lots of
books at locally owned shops and visit the library each week.”
Dads should make it a point to read in front of their
children, too. Boys look to male role models when deciding if reading is a
masculine activity.
Rule out health issues
Learning disabilities, hearing and eyesight issues aren’t always immediately obvious, but can quickly sour a child’s attitude about reading. “Not only should you listen as your children practice reading, but also watch their eyes. A correctable eye problem can cause difficulties,” says Marlene Bosak, a children’s librarian whose son struggled with an eye coordination issue for years. Eye coordination problems may not be detected in a normal eye exam.
Christa Melnyk
Hines, is the mom of two boys, a freelance writer and avid reader.