Has your teen read a book for pleasure recently? If not, they are not alone. Data show that in recent years there has been a steep decline in reading for pleasure among teens. While teens are spending more and more time on social media, gaming and texting, fewer and fewer teens voluntarily choose to read a book. That is not a good sign, since reading has all sorts of positive benefits that can help a child succeed in school and at work.
Recent research suggests that reading books can enhance a student’s ability to complete assignments at the college level and increase a student’s attention span for more complex work. With warmer weather coming, and both remote and in-person learning soon to go on pause, let’s encourage our children to take a break by reading a book for the pure pleasure of reading something they find interesting.
Your child should read a book of their own choosing. Parents should offer suggestions only if asked. And if your child ultimately picks out something other than what you suggested, it’s fine. The point is to read. And parents should not rule out graphic novels, e-books or audio books. They count as reading too and can be a good way to get into reading more.
Set An Example
Parents can encourage their kids to read for pleasure by picking up a book themselves to read. Parents can talk to their kids about why they (the parents) picked a particular book and what makes it interesting to them. Parents also might offer to read the same book as the child and let the child choose the book for both of you. You can have discussions about the plot and the characters as you and your child make your way through the book.
Author Talks and Readings Can Engage
Children may also become more interested in reading if they attend talks given by authors. Some authors have been doing virtual talks on their books and may soon return to in-person presentations at book stores and libraries.
Check Out Beccastone’s Classic Reading List
Check out Beccastone’s list of classic fiction books by Black authors for some possible reading suggestions. Parents and children alike may find these books to be engaging reads. Libraries, teachers, book stores and a child’s peers are ready sources for other great reading suggestions.
Please share any ideas and tips on getting teens to read for pleasure!
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