In a previous article, I discussed the loss of interest in reading with most middle school students. During the primary grades students are more excited about reading and books. However the excitement is lost somewhere along the way to the early teens.
As parents and as teachers we must find ways to encourage and restart the interest in reading. Many teachers use reading as a punishment or as a chore. Students must be aware that reading can be for pleasure and for entertainment.
Learning to focus on reading and books can greatly help students out during high school and college English courses.
While some lessons may require assigned readings, teachers should also allow students to choose readings. When a students ahs control over the material being read, he/she is more likely to enjoy reading it.
Teachers can also create fun reading projects and have students share books that they have enjoyed with other students. When students see that their peers are enjoying reading they will be more likely to try the same books.
Parents need to help nurture the reading of middle school students also. One way to help encourage reading is by ordering magazines of interest for your children. Girls will likely enjoy reading fashion and teen magazines while boys may prefer hunting, cars, or sports magazines.
Parents are also more reluctant to take teens to the library. We often think of taking younger children for story time and for looking at books. However, we must continue to take our children to the library even into their teens.
Talk with your child’s teacher or librarian about helping your child choose books. Many books series are very appealing to middle school students. The key is just getting your child started in a series that he/she enjoys.
Again, nothing is better proof of how important reading is than to let your child see that you also enjoying reading.