There’s been quite a bit of media attention recently on the decrease of students reading full-length books at both the middle and high school level. That, in turn, is impacting how students then interact with books and learning at the college level.
Kids are also reading less for fun, they self-report. For example, on the upper end of middle grade readers, only 14% of 13-year-olds read for fun almost every day, which is 3% lower than 2020, 13% lower than 2012, and 21% lower than 1984.
Meanwhile, for younger MG readers, 39% say they read for fun just about every day, which is 3% lower than 2020, and 14% lower than 1984.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, and there are ways to encourage more reading. If you are a caregiver, parent, grandparent, or other trusted adult in a child’s life, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a helpful list of ways to nurture a kid’s love of reading. The AAP’s suggestions include:
- Read yourself. Model reading — they’ll be more likely to read themselves if they see you doing the same.
- Read together. You can read a book out loud to them (or take turns!) or just sit together side by side and read as a way to spend time together doing something you both enjoy.z
- Visit the library. If you are able to, get them their own library card so they can check out books themselves. Many libraries also offer cool, free events for kids.
- Celebrate all reading. Whether a child is into fiction, nonfiction, manga, graphic novels, comic books, or a mix, be enthusiastic! After all, they’re reading instead of choosing to do something else with their free time.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
- Give books as gifts. If a relative isn’t sure what to get your child for a birthday or holiday, you can suggest they choose a book, or send your child a gift card to your local bookstore so they can choose a book that appeals to them.
If you’re a librarian, teacher, parent or caregiver and have additional suggestions, we’d love to hear them. Add your ideas to the comments below.
Happy New Year!
