Teen Reading

Giving a book to a student and watching the spark of reading occur is one of the great thrills of a teacher or school librarian. Unfortunately, school often becomes the enemy to the pursuit of reading for enjoyment and fun.

In countless examples, I have seen computer-based reading comprehension programs and required novels for English courses discourage reading in students. From my perspective as a former high school librarian and having two daughters experience it first-hand, they stopped selecting books they wanted to read and only looked for a book at their "level" or the "requirements" to earn the points they need for their class grade.

Emphasis on reading from local, state and national levels has created more assessments, more computer applications, more strategies, more, more, more. What about less? As they say, less truly is more, especially when it comes to reading and enjoying it.

How can you help your teen meet the requirements for school and still enjoy reading?

Decide to jump through the hoops.
You and your student may dislike all of the components of the school reading program or English teacher's curriculum. How can you both survive it and maybe even learn to thrive?

Make it less painful by doing your research. For comprehension programs where students may select their reading materials, what books will your student enjoy and meet the requirements? Ask the teacher, other parents and students, and look online. Make a game out of earning those points, such as:

earning "get-out-of-your-chore-free" cards,
earning additional time toward playing video games or television,
having a pizza party with friends,
or other rewards that would inspire your teen.

Is an assigned class novel too difficult for your student? No one usually says you have to read every word of a book alone. Try an audio book. Have them read it aloud to you while you drive or make dinner. Read with them alternating pages or chapters. Watch the movie and then read the book. Where does it differ? Where is it the same? And last, but certainly not least there is always Cliffnotes-use it as a resource, not as a replacement!

Perhaps it doesn't meet your values? Is the teacher open to suggestions? Propose alternate books, assignments and assessments to the teacher. Be flexible and willing to work with the teacher.

Provide a plethora of reading opportunities at home.
The following reading materials are an absolute must in every home:

a local newspaper--it provides information about events, people and issues in your area. Foster an interest in current events and happenings where you live.

magazines of interest at a different ages--you should already have The Friend, New Era and Ensign. What other interests do your children have? I love Kids Discover and Highlights for children and subject specific magazines for teens like PC, Hot Rod or Boy's Life.

classic books--those that are truly classics and those that are classics to no one but you. My library has Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Steinbeck, Stephenie Meyer, Gerald Lund and Mrs. Pollifax! None of them were purchased new. I love to shop thrift stores, paperback exchanges, yard sales and trade with family, friends and neighbors.

a library card--it opens the world to all of us. In the current economic times, you can read your local newspaper as well as several national ones, check out back issues of magazines your kids love, read a classic for the first time, reread your favorites or check out an audio book. As well, you can always submit your wish list for future purchases. Your local librarians are always interested in ordering materials of interest to patrons.

Read what your child is reading.
The young adult genre has exploded in the last decade. The number of authors writing YA literature and the quality has significantly increased. In fact, I enjoy reading young adult fiction as much as adult fiction. Explore the shelves in the young adult section and read and discuss those books with them. It's a great window to their world and a way to increase bonds of friendship and love.

Read. Read. Read. Read. Read. Got it?
You are the example. If your child sees you reading a variety of materials everyday and has your help in his reading efforts, he will know how much you enjoy and value reading.

Turn off the reality shows and try something new. Connect to a fantasy, a graphic novel or maybe someone else's real life.

Explore these websites:

American Library Association-Teen Booklists
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook.cfm

Teen Reads Book Reviews
http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/index.asp

Reading Blog for Teens--a bit edgy but if you really want to know what's in a book, she will let you know!
http://www.readingrants.org/