Tips to get kids to read more
From improving mental health to fostering stronger memory to teaching a person new things, reading offers many benefits. Reading also can boost creativity and help expand vocabulary. Despite these amazing perks, data indicates reading for fun has become less common among American children.
According to a survey conducted in late 2019 and early 2020 by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the percentage of 9- to 13-year-olds who say they read for fun on an almost daily basis are at the lowest levels since the mid-1980s.
In 2023, Scholastic released new data from its Kids & Family Reading Report: 8th Edition that found only 32 percent of 9- to 11-year-olds and 15 percent of 15- to 17-year-olds are frequent readers. Parents who want their children to read more can consider these strategies to foster a love of reading in youngsters.
Become a reading role model
One of the biggest predictors of reading frequency has to do with perceived importance of reading. If children see their parents frequently reading for pleasure and finding it important, and having access to a wide variety of books to read, then they may be encouraged to read for fun as well.
Make reading accessible Parents can facilitate opportunities for kids to read by getting their children library cards, frequently taking them to bookstores, participating in school-run book fairs, and participating in other activities that prioritize book access, such as sales at the local library.
Furthermore, since children are so in tune with digital devices, offering access to an e-reader or digital reading app on a tablet will enable children to tap into the vast digital library of books.
Don’ t stress about the content Experts note that parents should not stress about what kids are reading. Many times parents worry that their kids aren’ t reading the classics or hard-hitting novels. As long as kids are reading age-appropriate material, the subject matter does not make a world of difference. From comic books to newspapers, kids can read anything so long as it’ s appropriate for their age.
Reading is beneficial for people of all ages, but modern kids are not reading enough. Adults can explore the various ways to encourage children to read more.
Set limits on screen use
Scholastic’ s report indicated children’ s digital activities have risen since 2018 among all age groups studied. Children are increasingly participating in digital activities that include going online for fun and watching videos or utilizing apps.
By setting limits on screen time for children, parents may increase the likelihood of diverting youngsters’ attention to other activities, such as reading.
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