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How To Encourage Your Teens To Keep Reading

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It’s often difficult to get your teens to take an interest in reading with all the distractions available on television and social media. This becomes harder if they consider reading a chore or school related task instead of an activity they can do for pleasure. Motivating teens to read is complicated further by other demands on their schedules. Hence, finding innovating ways to turn their attention to reading becomes a challenge.

Fortunately, there are many popular and exciting books and the best way to get them to read is to choose subjects that interest them. By using a combination of methods and finding out what other teens are reading, you can find material that appeals to your kids and make reading voluntary. Getting books that appeal to teens is one thing but you also have to plan rewarding reading activities that will pay off in the end and make teens eventually take an interest in reading.

Below are several tips on how to encourage your teens to take an interest in and keep on reading books.

1. Issues Affecting the Teens

Young Adult novels deal with issues that affect teens ranging from romantic longings and grief, to trouble at home, school, and peer pressure. Whether they are personally dealing with these issues or not, teens will prefer to read novels that relate to issues that affect them. You can check the Young Adult bestseller lists and reviews for ideas on the books that teens will find interesting.

2. Books that Become Movies

You can give your teen books that have films versions (before or after the film is released) and then discuss similarities and difference between the book and film. Search online for a list of books that are earmarked to become movies or have already inspired a series of television sequels.

3. Lure your Teens to Adult Books and Topics

Find books with titles on issues that teens are curious about such as climate change, corruption, race relations, crime, politics, or satire. Check the non-fiction bestsellers list on the internet and for books by renowned authors on mysteries, thrillers, horror, science fiction, fantasy, and sports too.

4. Introduce Teens to Books and Author Related Blogs

Popular young adult authors like Laurie Anderson have websites where teens can read and chat about books they’re reading. Teens can also start their own social networking accounts on websites like Shelfari and Goodreads, where they get to interact with others and create virtual bookshelves on what they’ve read or are interested in reading.

5. Graphic Novels and Audio Books

Graphic novels are no longer considered comic books but rather literature these days. Graphic novels are available in various genres and finding a graphic novel to suit your teens taste will not be difficult. Listening to short passages from audio books can improve your teen’s vocabulary and comprehension too while they enjoy the stories and acquire information.

6. Share your Reading Experience

Make a habit of sharing your reading experience by telling your teen what you’ve been reading, what you’ve gained and learned, and what you recommend they should read.

7. Organize Book Clubs and Read-a-Thons

Parents and school administrators can organize book clubs and read-a-thon events where teens are encouraged to read their favorite books aloud or select a challenging book. This can be fun for the teens and make them take an interest in books and reading.

8. Help Teens See the Importance of Reading

Make your teens understand the importance of reading. Reminding them that being a voracious reader is a way to acquire knowledge and understand the historical and political implications.

The role that books play can never be overemphasized enough. Children and young adults should be encouraged to read books from print and electronic media devices to help increase their knowledge and understanding of past and present events in the world we live in.

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