How Do We Capture Young Readers in the Electronic Age?
May 27, 2008 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Parenting
OneBookTwoBook.com
Has the “electronic age” replaced reading books with electronic games?
Teachers I talk with, as I do substitute teaching and conduct writing workshops in schools, find it challenging to keep many of their students interested in reading. They mention that it seems fewer of them like to read…or they don’t read so much at home.
“We have to compete with TV, video games, and movies to hold their attention,” one teacher remarked to me. “I feel I have to be an entertainer.”
When assigned something to read at school, many students groan, while a few (like my granddaughter) consider this an enjoyable respite from other school work. Parents may find the same situation at home and need to make an effort to get their children away from electronic and television games.
Here are some suggestions that might help to encourage reading:
*Let children see you reading
*Read to young children
*Set aside a family reading time
*Have children read to one another
*Encourage children to act out stories
*Participate in reading programs at the local library
*See if your school has extra reading programs…like the Reading Enrichment for grades K-8 in our school district on Saturday mornings in March. Our grandkids have thoroughly enjoyed this.
What tips do you have for encouraging youngsters to read?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Great list!
I like all of those suggestions, and I also want to include listening to audio books in the car. I know it’s kind of electronic, but I’d rather my kids listen to books and engage their imaginations than watch DVDs or play the Nintendo DS in the car.
I agree, Melissa. Listening to books on tape or CDs is great for encouraging young readers. It’s also a good way for us adults to get more reading in when we don’t have time to sit down with a book. A friend who is losing her eye sight enjoys audio books.
Thanks for sharing, Melissa.