AVOID NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT – REWARDS WORK BETTER THAN PUNISHMENTS


The last thing we want to do is to create a negative atmosphere around reading.  Just read our bios on the About Us page for a living example of how that doesn’t work.  We also don’t want to get into a constant situation where we have to offer bribes but a little of that may go a long way.  Starting off with some encouragements might be appropriate. For example, if you read, you can have extra time on the computer or you can stay up a little later.  You may have to be a little creative. (The author, Todd Strasser, tells a story from when he was a kid and didn’t like to read.  He had a tutor who would bring him over to a pantry of junk food and say to him, “you read, you eat.)” 


MODEL THE BEHAVIOR – SEEING IS BELIEVING


If your kids see you reading they will know that you believe what you say.   Finding time to read in your busy day will show your kids that you value reading.  As you are immersed in your book they will sense your enjoyment by seeing you react to what you are reading by laughing or crying or by talking about the stories.  If you are reading something that you don’t like, let your kids know and explain why. Being a critical reader is great.  We all have different tastes and the truth is that some books actually aren’t written well.  Have an open dialogue except if you hate reading you’ll have to fake it or let us recommend a book to you and get you into reading!


APPLAUD ALL KINDS OF READING – COMICS COUNT


Reading is reading.  While we might prefer to have our kids read works of literary value, we must value the act of reading itself. Therefore, if your kids prefer comics or magazines then let them read those.  If we want to get them hooked into reading then we have to be open to whatever form it takes.  Some kids need convincing... we can ease them into books. That’s where we our lists come in!


FOLLOW YOUR KIDS’ LEAD – THEY LIKE WHAT THEY LIKE


If your child has a particular interest and only wants to read about one thing, that’s great. We just need to keep them hooked.  If your child only wants to read books that have mice or rats as characters, or books about soldiers or books about underground worlds, we can help you find great titles that match the interest.  Eventually tastes change and broaden – but don’t forget there are adults who only like mysteries or memoirs!


USE OUR LISTS – FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN READING LEVEL AND CONTENT IS KEY


We want to make sure that we do not aim too high or too low with regard to reading level and content.  Books that are too babyish will be insulting and books that are too complicated will be a turn off.  The only exception to this is that kids often want to read stories that are too mature or edgy for their age.  A fairly good rule of thumb is that the protagonist of the book should be the same age or slightly older than the reader.  For example a sixth grader probably does not want to read about a 9 year old but also should probably not being reading books with teenage characters.   This is tricky because the reading levels of some of the mature titles are sometimes very easy. Therefore, it is not a matter of a younger child being unable to read the book but the content may be way too sophisticated and inappropriate.  There are always exceptions to every rule and ultimately as parents we need to use our best judgment. To help you with this, we have divided our lists into 5 categories. 


For Tweens and Teens we have divided books into two lists, Grade 5 and Up and Grade 8 and Up.  (Ideally we would have a totally separate list for 7th graders because they saddle these ranges.  My recommendation for 7th graders is that they stick with the 5th and up lists until midway through their 7th grade year and then they can transition to the older lists.


For pre-schoolers and up, we start with Picture Books which are not only great as read-alouds but can also be used for kids who are just starting to learn to read.  First Chapter Books are for kids in K-2.  These are longer books which oftentimes do have pictures but the emphasis is on the text.  Our Middle Readers list contain chapter books that are longer and more sophisticated and are best for 3rd and 4th graders.  Since you know your kid(s) best, you will be able to select the right list.  Even if your child is in a particular grade, you may want to select a different list that you feel better meets your kid’s individual needs.


USE AUDIO CDs - LISTENING IS BELIEVING


There are several reasons to use audio CDs.  For kids who don’t like to read, these may be a good way to hook them into good stories. This in turn may entice kids to seek out more stories and eventually into wanting to read those stories. Teachers who work with reluctant readers or with readers with low comprehension skills will use audio CDs along with the written text to help improve their students’ reading. Of course, another great use of audio CDs is in cars. What better way to use time spent on the road!




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