Recent studies show that reading is on the decline. While books are still published at the same rate as before, fewer people are reading them. This is especially true for teens, who often turn their attention to video games, computer programs, and music CD’s before picking up a book.
But reading is a cornerstone of a well-informed mind. It also is a key tool to be used in the education process. Poor readers typically make poor students, and vice versa. If you want your teenagers to read more, but you're not sure what kind of materials to get them, here are a few ideas:
1. Get a local newspaper subscription. Having the newspaper delivered each morning puts your kids in touch with the world before they head off to school. Although some headlines admittedly are gruesome or discouraging, you can always steer your child to more positive parts of the paper, such as the sports page, business, health, and community events. Most newspapers are geared to readers with a sixth grade education, so your teen should have no trouble understanding and digesting the articles therein. Discuss current events to show that you, too, read the newspaper and appreciate its news value. Your teen will come to realize that staying in touch with the world via the newspaper can be important.
2. Sign up for a magazine subscription. Try a three-month trial or a one-year regular subscription to something your teen may enjoy, such as Sports Illustrated or American Girl. After the subscription starts and a few issues have arrived, ask your child about stories, ads, or special offers that he or she may have read to determine if the magazine is paying off in terms of cultivating a reading habit.
3. Join a book club. Your family may be more apt to read on a frequent basis if there are newly published books lying around. Find a club that offers theme-type books that will interest all family members, or a club with a variety selection. Get your teen involved in looking over the monthly catalog and ordering books that he or she is likely to read. Kids should have an idea of the type of reading material that is popular at present, and perhaps why people enjoy it.
4. Visit the library. Start when the kids are young by establishing a routine library visit, say once a month or so. Introduce them to topics, themes, and genres that are free for borrowing and geared to your child's interests, such as sports, humor, or adventure stories. As they grow older, they will be more likely to use the library themselves or with friends to borrow occasional reading material. Encourage your teen to look for recommended reads and to re-read past favorites. Classic stories never go out of style, and your teen may develop a life-long appreciation for great works like Alcott’s Little Women or Poe’s The Raven that will lead them to other classics.
5. Browse bookstores. Encourage your teen to pick up the latest fantasy or science fiction book, sports biography, or romance that may appeal to his or her taste. Then ask your child about the story after reading it to reinforce the ideas that were introduced in the book. Avoid sensationalist, questionable, or violent content unless you feel your child needs to read that type of material for a compelling reason. Becoming aware of publishing trends and newsworthy titles helps to promote a sense of cultural appreciation in teens.
Using the means outlined above, urge your teen to read a variety of themes and genres. Doing so will help to make him or her more knowledgeable about many subjects and enhance the academic experience.
