Hewlett, a US Air Force vet, lives with his wife in Illinois. When he’s
not writing or reading, he loves White Sox baseball and Indiana Hoosiers
basketball.
What Will Get Children to Read
By
Paul
R. Hewlett
This is an age-old
question. As a children’s author I have asked myself this very question
many times.
There are several points to
examine in order to answer this question. First, is reading age dependent,
and if so, does one need to use different means for different age groups? The
next question deals with how to get them to read. Is there a certain
approach that should be used? Finally, we must ask what kinds of characters
and situations children want to read about. In taking a closer look at
these points, we will find the answer to our question.
I don’t believe that reading is
age dependent. I believe exposure to reading should start at a very young
age and continue throughout one’s life. I do believe, however, that
different means should be used for different age groups. Exposure should
start with reading aloud to children. Reading to children creates an
interaction between child and parent that is very strong. They will
remember this time spent with Mom and/or Dad and will look forward to this time
and the story that is being read to them.
Continue to build on that,
adding to it piece by piece as they get older. I like to view this
approach as layering. Layering is a fantastic approach to help children
build a strong foundation in reading. As children get older, another layer
should be added. Introduce them to libraries and book fairs. Make
sure to sign them up for a library card. Most libraries issue library cards
to children older than the age of five. This will make them feel
invested in the experience.
Let them pick up books, handle
them, examine them, and check them out using their very own library card. It
doesn’t matter if they are reading advanced books or comic books, as long as
they are reading. Libraries often have activities such as book clubs or
readings. This is another great opportunity to further expose children to
the wonderful world of reading.
Add another layer to that, such
as setting aside family reading time. Parents can read aloud to younger
children, and then as children get older, set aside time for the family to read
their own individual books together in the family room. Teenagers may want
to read on their own, and in this case I would still encourage parents to ask
questions and encourage discussion about the books they are reading.
Do not be afraid to reward
children for reading, even if the reward is simple praise. I believe
parents are the biggest influence on getting children to read. By
incorporating these different means for different age groups and layering these
activities, I believe, the foundation will be built for a lifetime of reading
pleasure and enjoyment.
The next point to be examined
is what kind of characters do children want to read about? Do children
want to read about certain types of characters? I’m not convinced that
there is any one type of character that appeals to all children. Children
have different tastes, just like adults do. With that being said, there
are certainly specific types of characters that they seem to prefer to read
about.
A strong main character that they
can relate to is important. A likable character that has flaws and a good
heart is always well received, everyone has flaws after all. They can
identify with them and they tend to pull for these kinds of characters. If
you don’t believe me, ask yourself how many children are rooting for Harry
Potter? Children, for the most part, want to read about strong, likeable
characters with flaws that they can relate to.
That begs the question then of
what kind of situations do children enjoy reading about these characters
in? They enjoy all kinds of situations, quite honestly. They
certainly enjoy ones that they can relate to. Many children imagine
themselves as the main character and enjoy reading about them in situations
that they have experienced and can relate to. They also enjoy fantasy;
finding themselves in other worlds or using magic is very well received.
These types of situations allow
children to leave everyday life, go to new places and experience new things,
things that are impossible to do in the real world. Whether it is a
familiar situation or a fantasy, the only thing that really matters is that it
reaches the child. That is why it is so important to take them to the
library or book fairs, read to them, encourage them to read, discuss what they
are reading, and let them pick up dozens of books and look through them. By
doing this, they will learn what characters and situations appeal to them.
In closing, I believe getting
children to read is extremely important. We have determined that reading
is not age dependent and that different means should be used for different age
groups. We have examined these means and in doing so, have identified the
layering approach to help get them to read. Like building blocks, layer
one experience onto the next as children get older to build a solid foundation.
We also looked at types of
characters and situations that they like to read about. The comprehension
skills, vocabulary, and imagination that they develop and use from reading are
invaluable. Parents play a vital role in getting children to read and should
take steps to encourage it. Ultimately, it is up to the child whether they
will read or not, but by exposing them to the many layers of reading mentioned
here, I have no doubt that read they will. Children are very smart and as
a children’s author, I always write with Maxim Gorky’s words in mind:
“You
must write for children in the same way as you do for adults, only better.”
Let’s all put our best foot
forward and get children to read. They deserve it!
About
Paul R. Hewlett
Paul R.
Hewlett is the author of the Lionel's Grand Adventure series. Lionel’s Grand
Adventure: Lionel and the Golden Rule was released in December of 2011. Lionel’s
Christmas Adventure: Lionel Learns the True Meaning of Christmas is the second
book in the series. These books are early chapter book for ages 7-10. Paul is a
US Air Force vet who is married and lives with his wife in Illinois. He loves
White Sox baseball, Indiana Hoosiers basketball, reading, writing, and spending
time outdoors (when it’s warm enough). He is currently working on finishing his
degree at Eastern Illinois University while writing and working full time. His
aim is to increase and foster children's interest in reading by combining
entertainment and values
Lionel is sick
of his brother picking on him and of his mother yelling at him. One day, while
cleaning the closet his mother has been after him about, he discovers not only
boxes and old clothes, but a lucky charm with more magic than he bargained for.
After an unusual encounter with his brother, Lionel knows things are about to
change for the better.
Together, Lionel
and his lucky charm are able to stand up to his big brother as well as make
Carrie—the cutest girl in his class—notice him. While learning the quirks of
his magical charm, Lionel ends up at a casino in Las Vegas, escapes an evil
dog, becoming a hero to the other kids, and finds himself playing in the Great
Series with his favorite professional baseball team. Will Lionel master the
trickster, over-the-top magic, or will it mess things up beyond repair?
Lionel
is sick of his brother picking on him and of his mother yelling at him. One
day, while cleaning the closet his mother has been after him about, he
discovers not only boxes and old clothes, but a lucky charm with more magic
than he bargained for. After an unusual encounter with his brother, Lionel
knows things are about to change for the better. Together, Lionel and his lucky
charm are able to stand up to his big brother as well as make Carrie—the cutest
girl in his class—notice him. While learning the quirks of his magical charm,
Lionel ends up at a casino in Las Vegas, escapes an evil dog, becoming a hero
to the other kids, and finds himself playing in the Great Series with his favorite
professional baseball team. Will Lionel master the trickster, over-the-top
magic, or will it mess things up beyond repair?
.jpg)
Have you ever
wanted something you couldn't have? Meet Lionel, a loveable bully-magnet who
desperately wants a new sled and will do anything to get it.This fun Christmas
book follows Lionel from Larrystown to the North Pole. His magical
Three-Toed-Potbellied Walbaun foot is back and is as unpredictable as ever.
Whether Lionel's sledding, ice skating, or in a life-sized gingerbread village,
it takes him on some grand adventures. Filled with great Christmas imagery,
this book is perfect for young readers and family story time. This 2012
holiday, be careful what you wish for, you never know what might happen!
.jpg)
Coming soon!
Links
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/#!/lionelsnod
Youtube
trailers:
Thanks for having me on Strand's Simply Tips!
ReplyDeletePaul