What are some ways to encourage more kids to read?

Answer 1

I have seen that kids mimic parents or elders. So if possible read when they are around. They will surely get a feeling that reading has something that is keeping my dad/mom or sibling so engrossed, and they will start reading. Also you can laugh while reading as if the read is very interesting and comic...

Answer 2

1) Turn off the TV and limit the kids to only watching a certain amount, only at a certain time during the day. Similarly with phones, cell phones, video games, computers, and other electronic devices.

2) Ask kids what they want to read about. Any answer is valid, and more than likely you'll be able to find a book on any subject they give you. Don't discount other formats, like manga or comics, as well. While you can introduce other books, always let them know that they have a choice in what they get to read, so that they'll enjoy it.

3) Lead by example. Keep lots of books around and let kids see you reading often. This will let them know that it's normal and something people do, particularly something they do for pleasure and not just because they have to like in school. Talk with your family and friends and even your kids about the books you read with enthusiasm and ask them with interest about what they're reading so they get the right message.

4) Read aloud to them. Bedtimes stories when they're young, reading hours as they get older- times when you cuddle up together and share the moment that is both about reading and just about bonding. When they get even older, you can instigate family reading sessions where everyone in the family has their own book and just reads in the same room in pleasant quietness.

5) Not too long ago, my mom tried to get my cousins to read more by saying they couldn't see any movie that had been based on a book before reading the book. I still like the idea; most kids will realize that the books are better, plus it works as motivation to get to see a movie.

6) Let it happen. Some kids just aren't big readers, much as it pains me to say. But the more you try to force something, the more it's going to seem like a chore, something they 'have to do', which grows a distate for it.

Good luck and happy reading with the kids!

Answer 3

The Harry Potter books are a great way to start, but also short books are usually keepers among kids who don't particularly like the idea of spending alot of time reading.

If you're referring to kids who are in middle school, or a little younger, I would recommend Gary Paulsen's books.

Like other people suggested -- reading aloud, reading with excitment, and subject matters that kids can identify with are definitely a plus. When I was a kid, I hated to read. Only after forcing myself to finish every book assigned (I was an over-achiever), I slowly realized that books were one of the best things ever invented!

Answer 4

Buy them some books. Tell them when they are done reading these, they can have some more. Tell them they can have their own library as long as they keep reading. Then fill your home with books. Also, since children follow example, you should read as well, constantly and consistently. Books are the best, but make sure they are also reading the best and not a bunch of garbage, because what is put into a child will be what comes out of a child.

Answer 5

Read by example...turn off the TV and listen to books on tape. I bought all the Harry Potter books on tape (they have them on Cd's too) and we spent about an hour or so at a time with a fire, hot chocolate and pop corn just listening...or following along in the book. It really got them going! Now we go to Borders and look for more series' like Charlie Bone, Pendragon, Do you really want to be a Wizard, Series of Unfortunate Events, Inkheart, Rangers Apprentice, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Magic Tree house and there are many more that we want to start but are waiting to finish some of these first!!

Answer 6

Comic books. Most grown up comic book readers are highly literate. Comic books were their introduction to reading and they keep reading them for the story telling, art, and, in some cases, nostalgia.

There are high quality comic books being published today with kids in mind. Go to your local comic book shop and ask the clerk for recommendations and where their kids section is, if they don't have recommendations or a kids section find another store, they don't deserve your business.

Answer 7

English has always been important to me so I expected my kids to read and write properly. My youngest daughter decided in 3rd grade to be quite defiant in this regard and flatly refused to read anything she could avoid. How did I get around it....I left the Readers Digest open to something I thought would interest her and continued doing this for several months. I knew I had won the reading battle when she brought the magazine to me and shared an article I didn't suspect she would enjoy.

Answer 8

ALWAYS make it fun! Give them some choices over the material they can read. Use a reward system, but definitely show them the joy there is in reading a great book.

Answer 9

Figureout their interests and find a book related to that topic.
Find a popular story.
Read with your children,just in case they are having a hard time reading.And help strengthen their ability.
Get them away from the computer and the television.

Answer 10

Find books that the kids are interested in and books that will relate to their lives and situations. For example, if you've got a kid who absolutly loves basketball, find him/her a book about a kid that plays basketball! Something that they can identify with.