Why Kids Stop Reading for Fun by Age 9 (and What to Do About It)
Scholastic’s national reading poll shows what they call a “nine drop.” According to the report, the percentage of children identified as frequent readers, i.e. those who read books for fun five to seven days a week fell from 57% among 8-year-olds to 35% among 9-year-olds. Between the ages of eight and nine, the number of children who say they love to read drops sharply from 40% to 28%. What will happen this year, and more importantly, what can parents do to keep their young readers willing to read?
Lauren Tarshies, publisher of Scholastic Classroom magazine and author of the bestselling book I Survived for Children, tells me that starting in third grade, children become more independent. And now there is so much rivalry for their attention – there are sports, extracurricular activities, social events and homework on the schedule. In addition, during this time they no longer have adults reading them or curators of books according to their growing tastes and interests. “As children get older, fewer people perceive reading as just for fun and more as something to be expected of them,” says Tarshis. “The joy starts to fade and it becomes a routine.” (Third grade is also the age at which most schools begin standardized reading testing, although research does not indicate this fact.)
It can be difficult for parents to see your children’s love of reading fade away, especially if it was once something that made them happy. But you can – and should – intervene. Here are some ways to prevent decline.
Don’t stop reading to your children when they learn to read
When children learn to read on their own, parents often end the ritual of reading stories aloud. But there is no reason for this – in fact, continuing reading for experienced readers can be helpful. First, it can help them absorb more complex plots. Jim Trelisse, author of The Reading Out Loud Guide , explains about GreatSchools : “People often tell me, ‘My child is in fourth grade and can already read, why should I read to him? “And I say,” Your child may be reading at a fourth grade level, but at what level is he listening ? ” “. In addition, participating in the reading process can help you deal with difficult issues such as peer pressure and body image. …
Use in-between moments
As children get older, life gets busier. You cannot expect your child to have an hour of free time to read every night before bed – this is simply unrealistic. However, they have the ability to read throughout the day. If you have a kid who always prepares the fastest in the morning, get him a favorite chapter book to read while the rest of the family catches up (just remember to sell it as a reward, not punishment). If you arrive for your taekwondo class ten minutes early, use these points as well. The secret is to keep books everywhere – in your bag, in the glove compartment, and in every room of the house . Tarshis says about setting aside time for reading: “Even if it’s only a few minutes, these minutes are counted and they add up.”
Start a book club with your teen
One of my favorite ideas for helping kids continue their love of reading comes from Lifehacker writer Jeffrey Redick, who suggests starting a book club with a teenager . It’s a fun, stress-free activity that he does with his daughter – if she comes to him with a book he just read and he can say she’s excited about it, then he’ll read the book too so they can talk about it. “Our negotiations are informal,” writes Redick. “I’m not asking her to explain the symbolism or justify her opinion. We walk and chat. Sometimes she just says the name of a character who has died or become evil. I know what she means. I couldn’t believe it either. Bonus: Telling stories helps them communicate in a way that they ask, “Hi, how was your day?” never could.
Remember comics are books
There is still a perception that comics are not “real” literature, or that they are just gates that help stubborn readers go from picture books to chapter books. But there may be many more . If your child likes them, encourage them to dive deeper into the format. Help them explore genres that they might be interested in, such as fantasy, classics, or even nonfiction. The New York Times Book Review features new graphic novels that will appeal to children and is aimed at readers from the age of 8.
See technology as a bridge, not a barrier to reading
Yes, screens can play a role in the decline. But Tarshis says that “technology doesn’t have to be the enemy.” For children who love their computers, phones or tablets, she suggests using them as an aid to opening new portals. For example, if they follow YouTuber Mike Wilson (formerly known as Coma Niddy), who raps about math and science, look for books on the topics he researches ( string theory, or perhapshow to find water bears ?).
Reading the model
This may be the most important step. “If children are not surrounded by people who encourage them to read and read themselves, why do they themselves appreciate it?” says Tarhis, who herself is “a mother to those who have reluctantly turned into voracious readers.” Try to read books, newspapers, and magazines in front of your children. Read aloud whatever interests you. When I was a kid, my mom would always read some famous tabloid at the kitchen table and she would gladly share with us the “news” she had just discovered (most of it related to Elizabeth Taylor). No, it was not quality literature, but I could still catch the excitement it caused from the words. Read what you like to read and your kids will find what they like too. Start early and your kids won’t see reading as an assignment, but simply something that your family does.