How do you get your 10-year old son to read?

Here are 13 tips:

1. Read to him: Reading to your children can improve their reading skills and teaches them to

be lifelong learners. As Reading is Fundamental explains, “Reading books aloud to children

stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them

develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word…Even

after children learn to read by themselves, it’s still important for you to read aloud together. By

reading stories that are on their interest level, but beyond their reading level, you can stretch

young readers’ understanding and motivate them to improve their skills.”

2. Take turns reading: As your son starts reading on his own, take turns reading from books

that interest him but are above his reading level. This will keep him engaged and encouraged to

improve his own reading skills.

3. Talk about what you’re reading: Talking about what you read with your son can improve

retention and help keep him engaged. If reading is a chore to be done, it will quickly be forgotten;

if it’s an interesting topic that you explore further through reading, he’ll likely return to the book

and topic to learn more.

4. Read what’s in front of you: Reading shouldn’t be limited to books. You can practice

reading with your son just about anywhere. For example, he can read signs and billboards, food

products, toy packaging, game descriptions, sports statistics, etc.

5. Model reading for your son: Many boys don’t see the men around them reading. Model

reading enjoyable pastime rather than a chore. If your son sees the adults in his life — especially

the men — reading for pleasure, he’s likely to do the same.

6. Dig into his favorite authors: If you son really likes one particular author, dig in and see

what else you can find out about the author. Look for other books they’ve written, but also follow

them on social media, find videos of them talking about their books and characters, and see if

they’re doing any online or in-person events your son might be interested in.

7. Spend time in libraries: Yes, libraries are places to borrow books, but they are now so

much more than that. Many libraries have full programming schedules catering to young people.

They have maker events, they have reading challenges, they have digital media classes, and more.

The more time your son spends in and around libraries, the more likely he is to view reading, and

learning, in general, as part of everyday life.

8. Give him screen time, in moderation: If your son is reluctant to read books, but enjoys

spending time with a tablet or computer, give him screen time to work on projects that require

some reading, in moderation. If he associates reading with a game or activity he loves, it may

lower his resistance to books. And, if you can find books related to the digital projects he enjoys,

even better.

9. Provide easy access to books: Make sure your son can easily access books. Bring them into

the home and put books he enjoys in the car and in your own bag so he can read in those in-

between moments when you find yourself waiting with time to spare.

10. Find a series he likes: If your son finds a book series he really enjoys, he’s likely to read

everything available in the series. Keep your eye out for authors that have several books that

follow a storyline or characters.

11. Let your son choose his reading material: The classic example of this is Captain

Underpants — you may not love it, but your son just might. This extends to other areas, as well. If
your son is interested in monster trucks, find him some monster truck books; if he’s interested in

fashion, find him some fashion books or magazines; if he’s interested in snakes, scare up some

snake books. At this point, it doesn’t matter what he’s reading, as long as he’s reading.

12. Go beyond traditional books: Don’t limit your idea of reading to books. Your son may be

more interested in graphic novels and comic books, sports magazines, activity books or video

game brochures. Give him access to whatever medium will get him reading.

13. Make choosing books an event: As any book lover knows, choosing a new book to read is

a joy. Instill this in your son by turning book choosing and reading into an event. Whether you’re

going to the library or a bookstore, pair the outing with a trip to the park to read, a picnic lunch

or ice cream. By doing so you’ll create positive associations with reading and books.

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