I have a 13yr old boy who doesn’t read, it’s a miracle he does pass his subjects. All he does is play video games, eat and sleep. How can I make him develop the habit of reading?
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I have a 13yr old boy who doesn’t read, it’s a miracle he does pass his subjects. All he does is play video games, eat and sleep. How can I make him develop the habit of reading?
The most prevalent characteristic of young non-readers is that they’re convinced reading is only what you do in the classroom. Whatever negative feelings they have towards reading for schoolwork will extend to the idea of reading for pleasure. You must have your son understand that these activities are entirely different from one another. If you can destroy the idea that reading is a chore, everything else will follow. To convince him that reading is enjoyable, you need to show him different examples of texts. Young adult novels are popular because they’re fun, dramatic, and a very easy read. Make sure that you allow him explore reading on his own. Take him to the library, get him a library card, and let him just browse through whatever catch his fancy.
It’s great that you want to inculcate the habit of reading for your son.
First, try to get to know his interests. Find out if he is interested in reading books. If so,you can discuss with him about his favorite genres and what kind of books he likes to read. If you find that, then you will have something to discuss upon. If he is new to reading, find out what he would like to read when it comes to books. He might be interested in thrillers or superheroes. After getting to know his interests,you can present him different books on his favorite genre.
Try to establish a small library at home. If you are a voracious reader,shelve the books which you have already read. If you have enjoyed any book, you can share that book with him and both of you can discuss about that book after he finishes reading. This applies if your son is already a good reader. Otherwise, get him books from his favorite genre and ask him whether he enjoyed them. Based on his feedback,you can get him different genres of books. Allocate a separate shelf for him and he can arrange his books there after he completes them. In no time,you will have a library of considerable size at your home. Being surrounded by books will naturally encourage him to read more. Try to go book shopping with him and get to know what he looks for while buying a book. Try to spend as much time as you can in the book store.
Another great way to get him hooked to books is through audio books. Download some good audio books and he can listen to them while travelling,going for a jog etc. Once he gets used to it,he will pick up the pace and get into the habit of reading. Audio books are great if you have motion sickness while reading during travel(like me). They also help you to use your waiting time in a productive manner rather than swiping up and down your phone screen.
Last but not the least, never force him to read. When I grew up,my house was full of my grandfather’s books. He is a voracious reader. I grew up watching him and naturally got into the habit of reading. Try to set an example to your son by reading and he is sure to follow in your footsteps.