Be Open to Different Types of Books
Traditional novels are great, but reading can take many forms! Graphic novels, manga and magazines are fantastic ways to engage with the written word. And don’t forget audiobooks – they absolutely “count” as reading, with research showing that listening to an audiobook affects the brain in the same way as reading a book might. Explore different ways of reading and find what appeals to your child the most!
Keep up with Young Adult Fiction
For reading to be truly captivating, young people need to read stories that reflect their experience of the world so it’s important to keep up with new genres, authors and trends that might best resonate with your child. Young Adult fiction is a fast evolving genre with new authors hitting the shelves all the time. When in doubt, ask your school or public librarian, but sites such as Love Reading 4 Kids and Scottish Book Trust are also fantastic resources for all ages.
Make Reading Accessible
For anyone struggling with dyslexia, there are plenty of options to help ease into reading in a friendly, accessible way. Children with a high interest in reading but perhaps a lower reading age can be accommodated by different layouts, formatting and font sizes on the page. Eletronic readers allow for the pages to be tinted and text size changed to suit different reading styles, while paper copies of dyslexia-friendly books can also be found. Edinburgh-based Barington Stoke publishers, offer a fantastic range of accessible books.
Create a calm reading environment for your family in order to minimise distractions. A dedicated reading nook, or a regular visit to your local library for some quiet reading time will make reading more enjoyable and accessible.
Build a Routine
Reading at bedtime is a great habit, and is proven to bring your body into a relaxed state, whilst also reducing night time screen time and exposure to blue light which is known to disrupt sleep. However, a young person’s day is full of opportunities to engage with reading! You could find some quiet time after breakfast, or even take a book with you to the park, or on your travels. Adjust reading routines accordingly to suit your child’s schedule.
And lastly….
Don’t Force It!
Making young people feel guilty about their reading habits is unlikely to motivate them to read more – they are more likely to see it as a chore, creating a lasting negative association. It’s key to make reading a fun activity, and most importantly, model positive behaviours by, first of all, picking up reading material of your own, and making it a part of everyday conversations.
