How to Get Your Kids to Read More
Nov 5, 2007
Ask any random group of kids about reading and they’ll tell you that it’s boring. Reading is old news—a holdover from a bygone era. Remember when children strained their vision reading by candlelight or by flashlight under the covers? Those classic images of childhood are relics.
Kids today will more likely be remembered for their above-average video game prowess or their knowledge of browser specifications and music video streaming speeds.
That fact that today’s kids are so wired and trained by instant technological entertainment gratification— pleasure is never more then a flick of a button away—is one of the major reasons that reading has fallen out of favor with today’s youth.
This techno factor is also to blame for the fact that books don’t get the same media attention that video games or movies do. Where are the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys for this generation of kids? Sure, there’s Harry Potter and the Lemony Snicket series, but unless books garner the attention of Hollywood, they’re not likely to get the attention of children.
But why is reading books important anyway? After all, kids read enough in video game instruction and while text messaging. More than likely, the quantity of reading is not diminished by technology— it is the quality of the literature that is not up to snuff.
Reading books—in the old-fashioned, alone and quiet sense—does more than simply help to develop a strong vocabulary—it helps instant-entertainment children learn how to delay gratification. It teaches how to self-amuse and be patient and to focus on one thing at a time. Reading a book is like a debriefing for media-saturated children. It helps them be able to focus on a single thing at a time. There is a clear ramp-up time to a book—sometimes it can take two or three chapters get hooked, teaching perseverance and patience.
But more than that, spending QT with a good book helps children develop skills that will pay off in the classroom. Reading teaches the importance of seeing connections and new meanings. And one thing that video games will never be able to do is transmit the emotional development of its’ characters. If nothing else, a book teaches children how to empathize with others.
Getting your child to unplug and read a book isn’t an easy task. This article has some great tips on developing better reading habits.
Comments(8)
Find this article online at: www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2007/nov/5/how-to-get-your-kids-to-read-more/
Mahak - Jun 19, 2008
I was really surprised to discover in Scholastic's recent report that a major reason kids didn't read more was because they couldn't find books they enjoyed - not because they thought reading itself was boring. I wrote about this topic more on an article in the Lobster Press Blog ( lobsterpress.blogspot.com ) - the point is that maybe we need to ask kids what they like reading!
Joe - Jun 20, 2008
Thanks Mahak - I read the article on your site and I find it very interesting that kids can't find books they enjoy.
When I was growing up (long before the Internet), I'd go to the library to grab books, or rather my mom would take me. While the article indicates librarians were involved in the study, I wonder if kids spend enough time in libraries on a regular basis.
I can't imagine there's a shortage of good books.
jessica - Nov 21, 2008
it is hard to do that my kids just like to pee in there beds and thats all
Confused-Tutor :( - Sep 5, 2009
Does reading books more offten Help their vocabulary and make their reading paste better? My problem is that a kid i tutor complains when he reads books and when he does he sometimes has trouble retelling the story , as if he didnt read part of the book . I need a solution for him to enjoy books and to read them at a very good paste and to be able to clearly tell me what happend .
The Confused Tutor. - Sep 5, 2009
Please Help Me It will be very much appreciated , Thank You .
HomeWork . - Sep 5, 2009
How' Do you get a kid to be able to finish his homework independently .
Leslie - Oct 27, 2009
There is a great new interactive children's book available on the internet for free download at http://littlebrowndachshund.com/, it's also available on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5HmpOJc8.... Kids can follow along with audio and animations then download a free song to accompany the story!
Reading Rewards - Jan 15, 2010
I agree that finding books your kids will enjoy is key. Their friends are actually a great resource for this! Chances are your kids might enjoy some of the same books/stories their friend do.
In an attempt to get my kids to read more, I set up an online reading incentive program called Reading Rewards. My kids log information about their books and reading time, and earn various rewards (I can set these up myself). They also connect to their friends (who do the same), and by doing so, they all share information about their books, reviews and more. I can't tell you how much this has helped my boys and their friends improve their reading and get great ideas for books!
Anybody is welcome to join (it's easy, and free!!) and try it out. http://www.reading-rewards.com Let me know your thoughts!
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