Every Day Reading. Reading for pleasure drops significantly as children grow into teenagers, yet its benefits for literacy, mental health, better sleep, better writing, empathy, happiness, and future success are vital. Encourage your teen to read—anything they choose—for 20 to 30 minutes every day.
If You Like X, Try Y! Be engaged in what your teen is reading and enjoying and help them discover more books that they’ll love. Once you know what is drawing them in, research online, at your local bookstore, or at the library to make suggestions of what to read next to keep the momentum going.
Book Club. Start or join a family, school, library, bookstore, or community book club! When a group of people reads the same book and talks about it, they are more motivated to read, open their minds to diverse perspectives, gain a better understanding of what they read, expand their literary horizons, and build friendships and a sense of community.
Listen to Audiobooks. At every age, audiobooks improve active listening and attention span, expand vocabulary, support imagination and visualization, develop multitasking skills as a hands-free activity, broaden reading horizons, and provide relaxation.
Reduce Screen Time. Set up screen-free time during the week and screen-free zones within your home. Make books readily available during this time and in these areas so that teens actively choose books.
Read It Before You See It. Before seeing a movie based on a book, *read* the book—whether individually or together. Then see the movie and discuss!
Volunteering and Tutoring. When teens volunteer their time to practice reading with children, it’s not just the children who benefit! Tutoring and teaching enhances understanding, increases self-confidence, improves communication skills, fosters empathy, and shares a love of reading. Teens can check with their school or local library for opportunities.
