Teens & Reading
Some teenagers like to read. Others don’t. It’s that simple.
Or is it?
As adults, we know that reading is important and we
obviously want to make sure that the teenagers in our lives grow into adulthood
with all the skills they need to succeed. But how can we encourage them…safely?
Before we list ways to encourage teen reading that may work, here are a few
tactics that likely will not.
Try to avoid…
- Pressuring,
nagging, or bribing. Encourage, don't hound.
- Criticizing
what they choose to read. Forbid as little as possible- accept
differences of opinion.
- Lavishing too much praise.
Show interest, but don't make a big deal out of it. They'll see right through you.
Ways to encourage teens to read...
- Set
an example. Let teens see you reading for
pleasure.
- Make
reading materials available. Leave books, magazines, and
newspapers around.
- Acknowledge
their mature interests. Suggest some adult reading you
think they can handle or that may interest them.
What can
teens get out of reading? They have to get something out of it, right? Through reading they can:
- Become
an expert. An expert on any subject they
like—from sports statistics to spelunking, coins to carburetors, ballerinas to barbecues, or anything in
between.
- Live
dangerously. Through reading teens can
share the challenges, fears, thrills, and achievements of those they are
reading about - without the risk.
- Have
a few laughs. Many teens will enjoy sitting
down with a book by their favorite comedian or a collection of
jokes or cartoons.
- See
the world. Without leaving town,
teens can visit places that fascinate them.
- Travel
through time. Historical fiction and science
fiction can move a reader back and forth in time.
- Use
their brains. Teens may enjoy solving a
mystery, outwitting a crafty villain, or thinking
through a perilous situation.
- Get
some free advice. Lots of novels feature teenage
characters that have problems and pressures common to many teens, believe it or not.
- Discover
new interests. Through reading, teens may
develop an interest in something they knew nothing about before.
- Find
a cause. Teens can get smart on an
issue that matters to them.
- Escape.
Teens can escape noise, tension, or boredom by escaping into a book.
Teen Read Week is October 18-24,
2015. The purpose of Teen Read Week, created in 1998,
is to
encourage teens to be regular readers and library users.
In recognition of Teen
Read Week, the Independence Public Library is hosting an after-hours Teen Read-In for those students in 6th
grade and up. Activities will include mish-mash book skits, telling ghost
stories, book character charades, scavenger hunts, building forts, reading, snacks, and more! Join us
after hours from 7:00-10:00 pm. The event is free. Please call the library to
sign up @ 319-334-2470.
