You are much more likely to learn to love reading if you connect with something that seems purposeful to you. If reading is just an exercise or something you feel you “should” like, it’s not likely to have a meaningful impact.
Try doing an internet search for popular books in the area that you’ve chosen. This can give you a list of suggestions where you might start. Consult with your local librarian. Librarians are usually delighted to make reading recommendations. Once you know what you’re “looking for” from your reading, ask your librarian if s/he knows of any books that might suit. Talk with the employees at your local bookstore. Most people who work at bookstores love reading and love books. They can be a great source of recommendations. Chatting with people who are passionate about reading might even spark a little fire of your own!
As another example, if you decide to want to read nonfiction history books, then consider the time period and subjects that most interest you. A book about D-Day in Normandy during World War II will obviously be a very different reading experience than a book about the politics of the Roman senate around the time of Julius Caesar.
For instance, if you decide you want to read horror novels, older novels such as Frankenstein or Dracula are going to read very differently than Stephen King or Clive Barker novels.
Remember that you can read more than books, too. Look at print and online magazines, blogs, and other places to find other reading material.
Sometimes, people may suffer from light sensitivity, which can cause headaches when you read. Avoid high-contrast print, glossy paper, and fluorescent lighting. You don’t have to read only at home, either. Check out the coffee shops, cafes, or bars in your area.
You can even turn this into a little game with yourself. Set a daily goal for reading time and give yourself a reward when you hit it. Eventually, you may come to find reading is its own reward.
If you have an e-reader, you’ll be able to carry an entire library around with you. The choices are endless.
If you’re at the library or bookstore and see a book that intrigues you, snap a photo of the cover. That way, you’ll remember it for later.
Finding these groups locally isn’t always easy, so remember to look online for reading communities as well.
Many public libraries even loan out e-books so you can read them from home.
A choice of how to read can also be helpful. For example, in-class reading periods can be very helpful for some students, while others need to be at home alone in their rooms to focus. A choice of what to read can help young people understand that reading doesn’t always mean dry or boring. In addition to the classics, provide options such as magazines and comics.
Set a good example by reading yourself. If your children see you enjoying a good book, they may be more likely to pick one up themselves. Try reading together as a family. Creating a positive association between reading and family fun time can help take the pressure off of young people to “perform” in their reading. Create a “reading space,” either in your classroom or your home. It should not have other distractions and should be a pleasant little retreat where the child can enjoy reading. Use books as rewards. Offer to take your child on a trip to the bookstore to pick out a few new books as a reward for chores or good performance in school. Help your child see that reading can be something that’s fun and rewarding.
For example, you could encourage students or your own children to draw scenes from what they read. Performing reading in funny character voices can provide extra drama to reading. Ask questions about how children feel about the reading. Encourage them to think about what might happen next in the story, or write their own continuation. Ask them to create a movie poster highlighting what they think is the most important element from the book.
Never tell a young reader that his/her opinion or interpretation is “wrong. ” Instead, ask the child how s/he came to this opinion. This will help her/him articulate how she formed her ideas and will help teach him/her about how to hone reading skills. If a young reader tells you that s/he is having trouble understanding, be patient. Don’t make the child feel stupid or ignorant for not “getting” the material. Instead, ask questions to find out where the confusion is, and guide the child into stronger skills. Accept every comment, no matter how “wrong” or inaccurate it may seem, as a valuable contribution. Remember that it can be terrifying for young or inexperienced readers to even offer their opinions. If the idea is inaccurate or needs correcting, ask further questions about it rather than rejecting it out of hand.
