It is perplexing that readers are considered an endangered species, yet so many are trying to figure out how to build a reader. I am here to offer some simple advice, tips, and strategies on developing and becoming a reader.
First, let’s be honest you can not leave it up to the school, too many necessities are left up to the school, this is a simple one to take into your own hands. It is true many schools have beautiful libraries with incredibly knowledgeable librarians and these services should definitely be utilized, however, leaving it to the school is not burdening your share of the responsibility. School often comes with a negative connotation of work, boring, and a longing for that last bell to ring; therefore, if reading is only exposed or modeled at school it is natural that students would not have a positive association.
Some simple tips to build a reader:
- Model reading, let your kids see you reading a physical book or hear you listening to an audiobook. Simply by modeling this behavior, you demonstrate its value. Phones are great, but not for this application, as you would have to explain what you are doing. Skip the talking and let the behavior speak for itself.
As a kid, seeing a bookshelf full of thick Tom Clancy novels and seeing one on our coffee table did not turn me into a reader at that moment, but I was impressed at mom’s ability to undertake such large books for fun.
- Take your kids to the library, even if it’s for a few minutes. They don’t even have to wander the shelves or select a book. Make a quick stop to pick up a book you already reserved, show them inside of a world of books, where whatever they want is free to use.
Many libraries have teen programs for mixed media development, encouraging teens to work in graphic design, music making or video editing. Mere association with readers will surely influence them. Remember we are a product of what and who we surround ourselves with.
- Perhaps wandering in a cute independent bookshop is more your style, trendy, local authors, food or coffee can often be purchased and it can be nothing more than a great spot to hang out.
- Do not diminish what your child wants to read because you deem it “below their ability” or “a waste of time because it doesn’t count” you are developing the identity of a reader, so let them read without judgement.
- Lastly, it is absolutely ok to judge a book by its cover; whatever catches your eye or your child’s pick it up and look through it. We judge movies by posters, clothes by appearance and food by how appetizing it is, so do the same with a book.
Happy reading and remember to lead by example. It will probably take time to see the results, but once they are hooked, they will be readers for life.