Reading & Teens

As I read an old newsletter of mine, I was reminded that encouraging teens to read can look different than encouraging young readers. Here are a few thoughts.

Though summer can be very hectic and busy with camps, vacations, and a host of other activities, you should still take the time to relax and catch up on your reading, encouraging your teenagers to do the same.

When my kids were younger, every summer we had a reading chart - usually one from the local library. At our local library in Texas the kids could choose a new book if they completed their reading goal for the summer.

As they would finish certain goals on their chart, they would receive smaller prizes.

One year we had a "Grand Prize." If we all completed our summer reading goal, we would spend a day at Schlitterbahn, a water park in beautiful New Braunfels, Texas. I decided we might as well make it a really, grand prize. Since I could get some discount tickets, it wouldn't be that much more than going to the movies...and it was a lot more fun!

Even though they are teenagers now, I still want to encourage reading in my kids. Here's an idea I found:

For every four hours of reading, I give them a small prize like an ice cream sundae,a ticket to the local minor league baseball game ($2.00), a tube of lipstick or other make up, candy bars, etc. You get the idea. Something that costs a dollar or two. If they finish the entire chart ( I usually set it around 35 hours of reading), I give them something special. They pick the prize before we start, and it usually costs about $10.00.
My two bits: I have used a variety of incentives for my children to read. With my older ones, I even buy clothes on clearance that they wanted and save it for a reading incentive. Nail polish, hair items, etc can also be found on clearance as well.

I encourage you to start your own reading program with your teen. This idea may not work for you. Be creative and come up with something that will work for your family. Set goals for all of you and plan on achieving them this summer!

When you get tired of the frantic pace that summer can bring, steal away and curl up with a good book. Remember your kids are different. Some may naturally spend free time reading and others will want to climb trees. My middle daughter just spent the last few days reading Sense & Sensibilities. In fact, she read the last 7 pages just before breakfast this morning. Now, she is reading Pride & Prejudice since we watched the rest of the movie last night. Yes...that' goes against my rules (read the book first, then watch the movie). Oh well!!!

Happy Reading,
Kerry