This August, which is National Back-to-School Month, many of us parents are thrilled to get back to the routine and for school to give our kids that much-needed structure. It’s time to think about how we can convince our kids to pick up a good book and get lost in an absorbing story.
With technology invading every aspect of our lives today and with our ever- busy schedules, it’s hard to find time to grab a book and read for enjoyment. For some, it can be even harder to get their children to do it, especially when the weather calls for them to be outside. But we all know the importance of reading and how it helps every student to be successful.
For those of us with reluctant readers, the following is a list of ideas that might help engage them in a story:
Choose interesting stories. Seems obvious but truth is we, not kids, often call the shots. Let the child choose the books. This is sometimes harder than it sounds. Some kids will go straight for comic books or graphic novels. Sometimes we feel like if there are too many pictures in the book, our child isn’t doing enough reading. If there are words on the page, your child is reading. Being a good reader is so much more than reading words on a page. If the story is engaging, images will start to play out in your child’s mind and that is where creativity stems from. Problem-solving develops, critical-thinking skills form and then a love for reading will start to form in your child naturally. Go ahead, let them read those graphic novels and comic books.
Another tip: Keep it active. Some students don’t like the time it takes to read. If the child has issues with ADD or ADHD, that makes it even more difficult. Reading doesn’t mean sitting. Grab a book, head out into the backyard and have the child walk around while reading, or better yet, swing. Adding movement to reading can actually help a student retain more of what’s being read.
Finally, keep it fun. Make reading an adventure. One way is to start a book club for kids. It’s a great way to keep them socially involved as they read. It’s also a way to make reading more fun by adding elements from the book to the meetings such as making foods mentioned in the books or dressing up like the characters in the books or decorating the room like the scenery in the books. There are lots of ways to bring fun into reading. Just remember to make the reading experience something kids love to do, not have to do.
If we supply creative ways to help our children love to read, we will help grow lifelong readers and better students.
