+ Can you recommend Reading Lists for my kids?
Absolutely, I can. Reading quality literature expands our minds and hearts in ways that both educate and evolve our humanity. We can all agree that reading (fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, classics, biographies, etc.) makes us better humans. I have noticed that when kids aren’t reading books that resonate with them, they lose interest in reading. This is not surprising because many other options are available to them in their free time, like sports, video games, and …phones. Who can blame them? However, regular reading is an important life skill; reading is an intellectual and savory sport.
If you want your kids to be readers, there are certain things that you can do to inspire them:
Be a reader yourself. This is probably the most meaningful and quickest way to get your kids to read. When they see you reading, they will want to read too. Our kids learn from us every day, so lead by example here.
Take regular trips to the library and/or your local bookstore together. I say “no” to toys, sweets, unnecessary clothes, etc., but I will say “yes” every single time one of my kids asks for a book. No exceptions.
Books or Bookstore gift cards as a reward! If your kiddo gets a good grade in math or masters a soccer move, or wins a school award, show them how proud you are, and surprise them with a new book by their favorite author.
Reward your child or teen when they finish a book! Make a big honking deal out of it! My 17-year-old son finished a book on Physics the other day, so I surprised him with pancakes and maple syrup in the middle of our school day! Notice when they finish a book and ask them about it. This method of recovery cements the learning but also makes for a pretty interesting conversation, which is a whole OTHER life skill.
At dinner, go around the table and have everyone describe the book they are reading and what it is about. We did this when the kids were little, and it was so fun. But now that our kids are older, they are reading books we have never heard of, and our conversations are beyond interesting!
Expand your genres to include graphic novels, poetry, short stories, and even YA or children’s books. Listen to audiobooks regularly while driving or walking. Be open to all types and ways of reading.
Give books as gifts. Be a book giver; it changes people.
I have cultivated some great Reading Lists arranged by age/grade years and genre. As a perk of your monthly membership, I can suggest a curated reading list for you or your kids!
