Don't you find it curious that young kids spend a lot of time reading the messages they exchange on social networks and messaging apps, but then don't want to do the same with a good book? It's not easy to create the habit of reading in teenagers if you haven't worked on it since childhood, but it's not impossible either.
Reading is currently becoming a kind of rara avis that less and less people practice every day. Fortunately, there are still many people who enjoy a good book, and, in fact, there is a great deal of material for the enjoyment of the youngest members of the household.
5 tips to create the habit of reading in adolescents
If a teen didn't get hooked on reading as a child, don't despair, because it's never too late to do so. The key is to offer an activity that will be fun, enjoyable and engaging. But how do we do that? Let's see.
Become their example
Adults should always be the best examples for young people and children. If a teenager has never seen his parents read, it will be difficult for him to do so.
An interesting formula, in addition to having the child watch his parents read, is to talk about books in a playful and natural way. For example, during lunch, you can talk about how interesting this or that book is, as if it were a movie or a series. That is to say, in a way that does not sound forced or obliged, we can introduce the youngsters to the interesting aspects of the book, its story, its character development, so that their curiosity is aroused and they also want to try this or another title that may be attractive to them.
We will choose the right format
Nowadays we have different formulas for reading. It is true that reading is demanding, it requires effort. But we find other formats such as audiobooks, which children can listen to without problems, so that, although they do not read as such, they can expand their vocabulary, improve their level of concentration and acquire greater comprehension.
If they start with audiobooks and find that they appeal to them, they may later delve into the pages of a good book, either in print or on a digital reader.
Choose the right book
It is very likely that the book we as parents like is not the one our teenager prefers to read. We have to understand that, because we probably didn't read the same things when we were 15 years old as we do now.
If your child wants to read something that seems uninteresting to you, it is better to leave it alone, because it is of interest to him. It's okay, because some readings lead to others and, as they mature, their tastes will also settle and may vary with age. And if not, it's not a problem either. Everyone enjoys the stories that catch their attention.
Do not prohibit titles
As adults, we might be tempted to ban certain books for some reason. For example, those written by youtubers or influencers. But it is not a good idea, because, in addition to the fact that they might try to read them on the sly, we really give them a bad image of reading and restrict their freedom, their experience and their tastes.
Respect their capacity
We should not demand that a child of 10 or 11 years old read Don Quixote. In addition to allowing them to read books that they will enjoy, we must also let them follow their own pace, looking for stories that are appropriate for their age. If they enjoy the experience, little by little they will want to go further.
At Logos International School we are concerned about creating the habit of reading in teenagers, and also in children. Everything that is good for their optimal development is taken into account by the teaching professionals that make up this school.