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When a young person acts as if they’d rather eat dirt than to read a book ….. any book, is there hope to help them fall in love with books and learning? You better believe it, honey.
When I hear kids or even adults say those blasphemous words, “I hate reading,” it makes me sad because I think of what richness, depth, and adventure I had lost in the books I read as a young person. Yes, I was a cheerleader, a ballerina, and I was very involved with my friends and church activities – very busy …
But when I got a hold of a good book ….. I could go anywhere and I could do anything.
I can’t solve the world’s literacy problems or special needs with one optimistic article. No, I’m speaking about the children or teens in your life whose struggle to read is minimal or non-existent because they have chosen not to like books.
I believe they just haven’t found the right book yet. That first book that will ignite a fire within them to jump in for more and enjoy one of life’s greatest gifts.
It was my Daddy’s love of reading that helped me fall head-over-heels in love with books. I caught him reading during every spare minute and he read almost every genre – the Bible, history, military, mystery, Sci-Fi, Westerns, you name it. I went with him weekly to the library when he would borrow and bring home stacks of books. I remember that special day he said I was old enough to get my own library card.
My love of learning began…at that moment.
When I had my first-born, we shared a love of books and admiration for certain authors. My youngest soon caught the bug and found her favorite genres too. They understand the reality of sadness when a fabulous book comes to an end. They also understand the thrill I feel about sequels and book-to-movie events.
Ahhh, I feel like Meg Ryan when she says in a movie, “When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does…and I…I’ve gotten carried away, haven’t I?”
For the Love
I can remember the excitement in my son’s eyes when he first discovered
- Call of the Wild
- The Chronicles of Narnia series
- King Arthur
- Old Yeller
- Lord of the Rings series
- Eragon series
Or when the light came on for my daughter as she fell in love with
- The Boxcar children
- Anne of Green Gables
- Little Women
- Narnia
- King Arthur and Guinevere
- Where courage calls
- American Girl series
- Little House on the Prairie
I’ve shared lots of belly laughs and many tears with my kids through the pages of great literature. It matters not whether kids receive public, private, or home educations because parents, grandparents and others can always help to instill book love. Dear one, it also doesn’t have to end just because they grow up either…..
Even though we had 642 things to do the day before his wedding, my 22 year-old and I stood in the middle of a huge, two-story Barnes and Noble store a month ago drooling over exquisite, collectible editions to many of the great classic books. We were mesmerized by their gorgeous hardcovers and gold-tipped pages. We talked about the stories held within them that meant so much to us both.
We were both so completely giddy that it was comical. My cup runneth over, y’all. Before leaving the store, he just had to take a buy several of the super-thick classics including the most important classic of all — their new family bible {that they included in their wedding}.
So what if kids under your influence need help to fall in love with books? There’s always hope. Don’t give up! Promise me you’ll do all that you can to invest the time as Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Tutor, or friend to help kids and teens become enamored with books.
Help Kids Fall in Love with Books
1. Let them catch you reading often. Your excitement about reading is key. They will emulate you.
2. Read aloud to them. I don’t care if they are 14 years old – they won’t admit it, but they’ll love it.
3. Surround them w/literature. Place extraordinary books around your home and spend time in libraries.
4. Help them choose their genres. Allow them to find exceptional books on topics that interest them.
5. Talk about it. What did you love about your book? What did they love about theirs? Talk & listen.
We’ve visited many libraries, bookstores, and frequently spend gobs of time on Amazon because of the incredibly useful Amazon Prime which is worth every cent to me for free, 2-day shipping on books we can’t wait to receive.
Helping this generation fall in love with reading will be a gift to last a lifetime. I hope this was helpful to you and your family.
Your tips are absolutely great! I completely agree about what a joy it is when we catch our kids falling in love with reading. I found you at the Hip Homeschool Hop. I would really like for you to link up this post at our Literacy Musing Mondays hop. It fits the theme perfectly, and you would be an asset to our community.
Author
Thank you so much, Leslie! Books and reading are such an enrichment to our lives – gotta get those kids on board. I’m checking out your community now.
blessings,
Shan
Thanks so much for joining us. Come back weekly!
Author
Thank you Leslie!
blessings,
Shan
Great post. Though both my kids love reading, I have seen several of my friends kids hate reading. Will sure pass this to them. But, my problem is that my elder one reads and prefers only non-fiction. Hope someday I will make him love fiction too equally.
Author
Thanks for passing onto your friends, Ambika. And praise the Lord that your kids already love reading. Don’t ever give up on what you think your kids will fall in love with. They just might love fiction if they ever get their hands on a great one that resonates.
blessings,
Shan
hi, thanks for joining us at Literacy Musing Mondays. I hope you can join us often. You can link up anything literacy related no matter how old. 🙂 Also I featured this post on this week’s link up as my favorite of the week.
Author
Thank you so much Mary for the kind thoughts. I am honored you would choose it as your favorite!
blessings,
Shan